Photo portrait of your pet aids those in shelters

You might be the only one who will be able to tell if they're smiling, but at least you can show everyone a picture of your dog or cat's visit with Santa.

Through this weekend, the PetSmart along Randall Road in Algonquin is offering pictures of your pet sitting with Santa as a way to raise money for local charities.

So bring them on.

Whether they're short-haired cats or furry 100-pound dogs, Santa "Claws" will be willing to pose with the pets for a good cause.

For each $9.95 picture sold, PetSmart is donating $5 to its local adoption partner agencies.

PetSmart spokeswoman Paige Donnelly said the fun Christmas event is a way for pet owners to capture the magical moment with Santa, while also giving back to local charities that help animals.

Last year PetSmart raised $1 million through the picture sales at all of its stores.

This year, the goal is $1.1 million for local charities. Donnelly said.

Test-drive it: Still torn over whether to wait in line before dawn to get the last Wiis arriving at your local retailers before Christmas?

If you want to try one out just to see how much fun -- and addicting -- they are, head over to Govnor's Pub along Randall Road in Lake in the Hills.

The restaurant has Wiis that you can play and test-drive before Christmas.

Festive food: If you're looking for that extra little something to treat the kids or colleagues during meetings this Christmas season, you might want to head over to Einstein Bros. bagels along Randall in Lake in the Hills.

The eatery has green bagels, red bagels, candy-cane shaped bagels with red and white breads woven together. There are even wreath bagels that combine all three Christmas colors!

• Amy Williams' column covers all the news of business along the Randall Road corridor from South Elgin to Crystal Lake. Contact her at randallbiz@comcast.net or at (847) 894-5036.