According to honky lore, the “perfect gift” is something the recipient would love to possess but would never buy for him- or herself.

Yesterday I received a perfect example of a perfect gift from my common-law mother-in-law Judy, a super sweet and interesting lady who sent me something for Christmas that I’ve long wanted but never would’ve bought myself: A 72-Hour Survival Kit.

Included in the waterproof kit: An Emergency/Survival Bag (a metallic silver poncho that reflects 80 percent of radiated body heat); a five-pound space bag of vanilla pudding; a five-pound space bag of hot cocoa mix; some Kleenex; some Wet Ones; a toothbrush; a flashlight; several small packs of raisins, Fruit Bites, and brownies; and the piece de resistance, Veggie Burger MREs.

That Judy cares enough to make sure I survive is touching enough, but to have her make sure I survive in the vegetarian manner to which I am accustomed makes me feel something close “the Christmas spirit.”

I also love pudding.