Presents that Suck

Gift giving can be tough sometimes. I've met my share of crummy gift givers. I keep telling myself it is the thought that counts; however, some packages thoroughly disclaim that there was no thought involved at all, the gift giver put him/herself on autopilot and skipped right to the gift. This Christmas I felt a gift giving pressure in seeking the right gift for my wife. Most of what she talks about wanting or needing has to do with cleaning the house. Could a Christmas full of house hold cleaning items put me on the naughty list? I decided to take a chance and put most all of my eggs in one basket, the basket called Dyson. A Dyson is a brand of vacuum, and I'll just say this now and get it out of the way, vacuums suck. The thought behind this gift not only started with the name brand that Becky wanted, but it also included a discount. I rallied everyone in my family together that was planning on giving Becky or myself any presents and I told them to pool all those funds together to get the best vacuum possible. I threw in some cash myself and crossed my fingers. The actual presentation of the gift came on Christmas Eve with my family's Christmas party. It was the 'last present under the tree' type presentation. Let's just say I scored. We all scored. I've never seen anyone so excited about a vacuum before. Just like a little kid she opened it up right then and started vacuuming away. Thank you Dyson. Christmas morning came shortly after and I followed suite with a book of cleaning tips and a fancy feather duster. Still all smiles. Her excitement peaked when she opened her gift full of painting supplies for the nursery. Who would have thought that the most practical gifts would have brought such Christmas joy. More than just the practicality and the gifts, I like to think that it was the thought this Christmas that counted most. I found a way to share my thoughts with Becky in a very special way. I shared my appreciation of her managing our home by finding a way--an economical way--to get her name brand vacuum, I made it easier for her to dust, I shared my support to paint the baby's room with the painting supplies. So yes, even presents that suck can bring Christmas joy when there is a special thought behind them.