Our son Robert has always brought us laughter along with all the other joys a good kid brings his family. And he’s always been an appreciative kid—grateful for the things we were able to provide him. Because of this we sometimes got a little carried away at Christmas and birthdays and were perhaps a little over indulgent at times. Those of us who have raised a child from zero to adulthood in the past 25 years have had the fortune (or misfortune) of having to keep up as more and more sophisticated and expensive electronic toys and games were designed and marketed. We had to buy the latest Nintendo and keep buying as more advanced gear came along. Otherwise our children’s fragile little psyches might be permanently damaged. I defy one single parent out there to tell me that they never got sucked into the old “but everyone else has one,” ploy.
Our son is twenty-two now and I think we're well past that stage of life. We still get a little carried away with the presents, and this Christmas was no different. In addition to electronic games for his Xbox and computer, and clothes that are in keeping with his new, post-college man image, we bought him some useful electronic things for his new apartment. We didn’t go overboard on the “useful” things—just a vacuum cleaner and a steam iron.
“Nothing's as mean as giving a little child something useful for Christmas.” ~Kin Hubbard
“Oh, good!” he said when he tore the Christmas wrap off the box with the iron inside. “I can really use that.” Then he unwrapped the big box with the vacuum cleaner in it. “So this is what it feels like to be a woman at Christmas,” he announced totally deadpan. Jim and I laughed so hard we cried. Welcome to the world of grownups, Robert!
Donna
I can still remember when my Dad gave Mom a new ironing board. Now granted she had mentioned it,the slience for weeks was deafening.
ReplyDeleteSandy
Thanks, Sandy. My mom would cry when we gave her stuff she could use instead of girlie stuff that smelled pretty or sparkled. Me, I'm just the opposite. If I need a new iron, go ahead and give me one. I'll be thrilled. I'll think of you every time I iron.
ReplyDeletePS - Congratulations on Ohio State's win today!
What a great blog! I think we can all tell stories of "useful" Christmas presents. Growing up in a large family was tough at times, especially at Christmas. Daddy made great toys and Mother sewed beautifully. So a new outfit was great. Now I know those were wonderful times. I guess when Mother got her pressure cooker was a not so good surprise for her. I think she wanted to pressure cook Daddy. We still have that big pot. My Mother was a saint.
ReplyDeleteYou ladies may think this is strange, but a few years ago I asked my husband for a rubbermaid composting bin for Christmas. (I am a keen gardener and these are quite expensive.) When he told his secretaries at work what he had bought me, they were aghast! "She really needs to get a life", was their reaction. But, he remembers when my youngest daughter, Maddie, was born. I had come throught a very difficult pregnancy and a 'C' section. He presented me with a diamond and sapphire tennis bracelet to show his caring and appreciation. I was very touched, but as soon as I was able to get around I returned it and bought myself a freezer from Sears. Something I really needed and still have it today. He did not tell his secretaries that story.
ReplyDeletePriscilla
I remember my mother-in-law saying "you really are in love" when you ask your husband for a new vacuum cleaner.
ReplyDeleteRobert is a mature young man and a very appreciative one too. Barb
With my birthday so close to Christmas, many times as I got older the "gifts" were combined, especially if they were a little more expensive. I remember the Christmas before I moved to Texas (which is now around the 30-year period!), I was given cooking utensils, a set of porcelain pans, silverware, etc. However, moving out on my own, to a different state even, made those items invaluable. I still have -- and use -- them today!
ReplyDeleteDebbi