The Most "WTF?" Christmas Gifts I Ever Received
The holidays seem to be upon us, but no matter how hard the world tries to tell me this with Christmas decorations up before Halloween, I always feel like the last to know. Today, the message was clear at my local ShopRite where I stood five deep in line with people who seemed worried that there may be a run on gravy in the next few days. I'm not the best cook, and people who come to my house come with lowered expectations, so food is not what I panic about during the holidays. It's the gift giving that gets me tense because I like to take the time and effort necessary to present something to someone that shows that I chose carefully and especially for them. If you've ever been on the other side of a gift that clearly shows the opposite, and makes you feel like a complete loser, you are not alone.
ugly christmas sweaters 2012
Here are 5 of my all time favorite WTF gifts I've received:
1. A votive candle. Now, I know that doesn't seem that bad, but it was at an ORNAMENT swap party. If you were the only one to go home with a candle rather than an ornament, you might wonder WTF? too. Are directions really that hard to follow???
2. A "Christmas sweatshirt." Nope, not even a sweater. A sweatshirt. Looked like it was from Walmart and had giant bows everywhere. What about me and the way I dress says, "this is perfect, she will love it?" I will admit I got to wear it once. To a "Tackiest Christmas Sweater" party. Again, not even a sweater...so I felt like an idiot at that party too.
3. A chia pet. I swear this is true. Even better, it was from my mother-in-law. Can you think of a better way to say, "I definitely think my son could've done better?" Merry Christmas to you too.
4. A "Christmas Carol" ornament of a fat man in an ugly, blue coat. My husband gave me this and I give him crap every year when I hang it on the tree. We have a tradition of giving ornaments to each other and I collect angels. Why the fat, blue, ugly guy? It's not pretty or romantic or reminiscent of anything we did together, so I've got no idea, but I know it's the gift that keeps on giving because I can yell WTF? at him again every year.
5. A gold watch with a black leather band. Expensive, utilitarian, nice. Except: it was given to me by my boyfriend after five years of dating. If you are going to give me jewelry on Christmas after five years, it better be a diamond ring. I asked him, "What's this? The thanks I get for five years of service?" My kids still love this story. The watch is in my jewelry box, the ring I got the next November. He knew he'd better get it before the next Christmas!
Hopefully, my list will serve as a warning to everyone out there to give some thought to the gifts you give. To me these five are pretty unforgettable. What were your most "WTF?" gifts you've received?