Gifting

 

Do y'all watch America's Funniest Videos?

That's not something we normally choose, but a recent episode had me practically rolling on the floor.  The theme?   Little children opening presents, only to discover they didn't get what they wanted.  (What's that old saying, "If you want the truth ask a little child or an old woman.")

Let's be honest.  Who among us can't relate?  Or know someone else?  

I remember my son's 12th Christmas.   December 1981 was emotionally wrenching.  My father had passed unexpectedly a few weeks before ... we adults doing our best to put on a happy face. Gosh forbid anyone Wallow.   I don't remember who gifted Troy a rather elaborate ship's model -- but he set it aside like so much garbage.   Gracious wasn't yet a learned skill set.

Days later at some point -- boredom perhaps -- he picked up the box and proceeded to build a beautiful replica.  Like he'd been doing it all his life!

When asked why the initial reaction, Troy confided he'd been afraid he didn't know how ... that he'd fail.  Ever feel that way?  Refuse to try something new because you might fail?   I know I have! 

So, back to the subject of gifting.

Shortly before Thanksgiving, Troy asked that we stop gift giving.  He and Lois have told their girls the same.  Nicely, he explained they're blessed not to need anything; that if they want something, they're usually able to go get it.

Well, ouch!  I know what he was saying is true ... Tom and I actually stopped buying for one another several years ago and opt to get something for the house.

Except.  One of my favorite moments of the holiday season is imagining, then discovering something I'm sure my loved ones will cherish.  I aim for this sort of expression found on a loved one's face a long time ago.
Shock.  Surprise.  A genuine, "How did you know?"

To be honest, I've made more misses than hits.  The expensive sweater depicting chipmunks square dancing, a water bra (yes, really) ...

I wear my embarrassment like a badge.

 

A friend and I were chatting recently about gift giving.  I used to ask my mother, "What can I get Daddy?"  To which she always replied, "A nice handkerchief."   

Seriously?  That's about as exciting as a Milk of Magnesia cocktail.

Go figure, now I'd love to receive a package containing hankies.  So much better than the paper towels usually found at the bottom of my purse.

Thankfully, now I can truly appreciate the sentiment in which a gift is given.  "So what?" if the color's not something I'd have chosen ... if the spoon rest is likely to spend the rest of its life in a junk drawer ... if the fruit cake is likely to be re-gifted.  So what?  Like a lyric from a favorite song, "It's the laughter we will remember."

If you have such a memory, I'd love to hear it.

I hope your new week is full of laughter!  

Holiday hugs!

Myra

More photographs coming soon ... but here's an appetizer!

Yes, that's son Troy under the beard!