They're hard to resist, those precious little fluffballs in the pet store. A baby bunny may seem like the perfect Christmas gift for a friend or family member. But think twice before leaving a bunny under the Christmas tree. There's plenty of time after Christmas to welcome a house rabbit to your family.

Why don't bunnies and Christmas mix? Here are a few reasons. People who are new rabbit guardians (to your bunny, you're the pet human) won't know exactly what bunnies require, and while house rabbits make terrific companions, stress is no good for them. And Christmas is nothing if not stressful, so if you're sure you want to share your home with a bunny, do it after New Year's.

Electrical wires are very dangerous to bunnies. You'd hate to invite a furry friend into your home only to see it harmed by biting through a power cord (rabbit-proofing is essential for a bunny-safe home). Also, when guests are over, rabbits can get spooked and run for the door, or a staircase (which they won't navigate easily the first time) or even a window, and tragedy could follow.

Lastly, house bunnies need quiet time to get used to their surroundings. If you're sure a friend or family member would make a great rabbit guardian, cut out a picture of a bunny and paste it into a Christmas card - an I.O.U. for a trip to the local animal shelter or House Rabbit Society facility for a bunny adoption. (Don't, ever, buy a pet shop bunny.) You'll know that your rabbit will get the best start in your home that it possibly can, when the holiday frenzy is over. And isn't that the welcome you want to give to your new best friend?

Liz Ryan is a workplace expert, mom of five, and founder of the online network WorldWIT (http://www.worldwit.org). She lives in Boulder, Colorado with her family and seven animals (including four house rabbits).

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