Zoos, the bicycle industry and advocates of beach replenishment share something this holiday season: They’re all hoping for a slice of the mammoth economic-stimulus package President-elect Barack Obama and Congress hope to pass early next year.

The bill, which could amount to a gargantuan $850 billion in spending and tax breaks over two years, is supposed to ease the pain of the country’s worst recession in decades. With Obama transition officials and congressional Democratic leaders planning to make it their top priority in January, lobbyists for homebuilders, local governments, labor and other predictable interests are working to claim a share of the money.

Less obvious groups, though, also are lobbying hard for inclusion, underscoring how the sheer size and scope of the measure has made it irresistible to all sorts of industries and organizations that at first blush might not seem likely candidates for federal aid. It also suggests how difficult it may be for Obama and his allies to fashion a sharply focused bill, or even to decide which proposals are most worthy.

Despite their hopes, the incoming administration is vowing not to load up its stimulus package with special-interest goodies. “President-elect Obama and I are absolutely, absolutely determined that this economic recovery plan will not become a Christmas tree,” Vice President–elect Joe Biden said this week.

Is there a line for the homeowner?