I agree that it _can_ be a good time to adopt.. (if all of the adults in the
household are prepared for it all.. we all know the kids aren't going to be
the ones getting up in the wee hours of the morning to let the new doggy
outside, or make sure it has food and water every morning..no matter how
much they swear to it now..) though i'm not necessarily in favor of the
puppy under the tree...
I, personally, think that it's better to get all the "new puppy gear" under
the tree, then, as a family, go and pick up the new dog together.. either
from the shelter or breeder or whereever you've opted to go through.. most
breeders are willing to hold until the day after Christmas, and i'm sure the
shelter or rescue would agree to do so as well (i do feel research should be
done before hand in deciding what sort of dog to get, so mom and dad can get
the dog all picked out and "held" for the family..)

the problems come when the puppy is gotten cuz it's cute and would be nice..
and no thought is given to the care and exercise requirements it will have
as it grows, or temperment issues, etc..

Davina