Does anyone else get themself something for Christmas? It probably sounds selfish, but who REALLY knows you better than... YOU? I started getting "self" gifts at Christmas about five years ago when I realized that no matter how well your friends and family know you (or think they do), no matter how many hints or suggestions you drop --- you never get the ONE thing you really wanted on Christmas Day.

I also believe: I've worked hard all year, I should be able to get myself something for that!

Now, these "self" gifts never exceed $50, for example: this year's gift was $20.00 but took about three days to find.

It's probably hard to believe but there are NO Notre Dame hats left in the Capital Region. I'll save you the time and effort of looking. I called Colonie Center, walked through all of the "sports" stores at Crossgates, looking high and low for a simple Notre Dame hat that a 35-year-old man could wear. Sure, the throwback look is in. Sorry, I hated that look in 1988 and can't stand the flat brimmed fitted hats that kids wear today. I'm already bald enough, I don't need to wear my hat like Charlie Brown too!

After two days of searching, I stumbled across this hat at the Olympia Sports store in Clifton Park.

There were two hanging on the rack when I arrived and one was left after my trip to the register.

Fast forward to Christmas Day when the unthinkable happened: my sister-in-law remembered something I mentioned at the Family Holiday Party... my suggestion which I though would go unfullfilled.

Now, I have two Notre Dame hats. Thankfully, I have another Notre Dame fan in the family with a birthday coming up.

And the "giving season" continues.