The gifting season

etsy
I have to admit, I might be one of those weird people who enjoys gifting on Christmas, rather than receiving. I think the most fun on Christmas day is seeing people's delighted (and sometimes confused) expressions after they unwrap their presents.  Every holiday season, my mom tries to convince us to not do presents and fails, quite obviously.  I totally understand her reasoning though - gift giving is hard work.  It requires knowing your recipient to the adequate degree, as designated by your relationship with him / her, and also making the correct financial interpretation of that relationship.

Not long ago, a friend told me about his daughter's Christmas wish last year.  Bella, at only three years of age, had asked Santa for a robot for Christmas.  Only weeks before, Bella had referred to the nutcracker Christmas decorations around the mall as "robots" so before purchasing anything, her parents confirmed that indeed, Bella wanted a robot.

After not a little shopping around, Mom and Dad brought home big, shiny animatronic dinosaur, reasoning that if Bella got tired of the robotic functions, she'd still have a cool looking t-rex to lug around.  Christmas morning came in a flurry and the parents gathered around the tree, eager to watch those shining eyes and little hands shred wrapping paper.  When it was Bella's turn to unwrap the big box, boy did those little brown eyes just gleam in anticipation.  She tore off the paper and stared at the mechanical dino.  Her father knelt by her side.  "Look Bella, it's a robot!"  With keen foresight, he had installed fresh batteries and the t-rex tromped around in front of them.  Bella smiled up at him and then turned to watch her brother and sister unwrap their  presents.

Later that day, Bella's dinosaur sat ignored under the Christmas tree, surrounded by bits of ribbon, tape and untacked bows.  Bella sat curled up on the couch, flipping through a picture book.

Her mom came by and asked, "Bella, did you not like the robot that Santa got you?"

"Oh yes, I do like him a lot."  Bella looked up from her book.

"What's wrong then?  Why aren't you playing with him?"

Bella paused,"I do like him but Mom..."

"What honey?"

"I wanted a robot that brings me milk and cookies."

Touche, Bella, touche.  I hope that you all get the milk and cookie robots that you can stand this holiday season!

Comments

  1. aww cute story! I always like the gifting part and wrapping up in cute ways.

    xo erica

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  2. I also like more to give than to receive :) The Remembrall

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  3. I never got the "giving is better than receiving" logic until this year. It's so exciting to come up with a really thoughtful gift!

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  4. lol, that wasn't the ending I expected--I thought she'd end up having more fun playing with the box. This story was much better than the cliche I thought was coming.

    I prefer giving as well, but not the wrapping. I used to feel the need for a level of perfection that was hard for me to achieve. But I think I wrap pretty well for a guy. :)

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  5. PS - Wouldn't be great if Daleks were programmed to deliver milk and cookies???

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  6. What a cute story! I want a robot that brings me milk, actually make that hot chocolate and cookies. I love giving too, the whole process of finding the right present, wrapping it and then see a (hopefully) happy face.

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  7. Haha..that's the best robot ever. :) Though my favorite robot at the moment is I-Robot or LG Homebot that does the vacuuming by itself. :)

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  8. I'm with you--gift giving is the best (unless you're having an off year and can't find that perfect gift).

    But I've got to say, that girl's a GENIUS! Here's I've been thinking I have everything I need--but a robot that brings milk and cookies . . . maybe does a bit of dusting on the side? That would be fabulous!

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  9. Bella is a girl after my own heart. Who doesn't want a robot that brings milk and cookies! Too adorable:)

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  10. Yes I remember that particularly scarring occasion in my childhood where I was denied the Christmas milk and cookie giving robot of my dreams... I do wish I could remember what was on my Christmas list when I was little though.

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  11. Haha, I want a robot like that too! :-)

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  12. Hahaha too cute! I would ALSO like a robot that brings me milk and cookies!

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  13. so cute. i would like a robot that brought me coffee and wine (at separate occasions of course). i really love giving presents too. it's my favorite.

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  14. To all the robot makers - get the hint. There's a gap in the market.

    LUXESSED

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  15. Hahaha, Anouka's comment just cracked me up. I'm with you though, I love the thrill of finding the perfect gift for everyone more than I like receiving gifts.

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  16. That is the cutest Christmas story! Guess the lesson is to be specific in your Santa requests. :)

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  17. hahaha I laughed out loud when I read your story :D short, but cute lol

    Caroline
    http://missoline.blogspot.com

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  18. that is so funny and cute :)

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  19. OH my goodness!!! I want a robot that brings me milk and cookies, too!

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  20. This is adorable. My mom is always trying to get us to give less too, but it seems like tons of wonderful gifts just pop up around the holidays!

    Glad to finally catch up with you...hope you're feeling better!

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  21. Haha! Kids are truly something else. Their way of thinking is quite interesting... and always entertaining! :)

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