The Bad Gift

They say it's the thought that counts, but let's be honest - How many times have you received a

Christmas present you wish you could ship off to a remote location that doesn't have electricity? Christmas is a time where we all celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, his sacrifice, togetherness and oneness with family and friends. At what point did the season become a race to the mall? Now the last I checked - when someone you know celebrates a birthday, we give him or her a birthday gift. Why is it that when Jesus Christ celebrates a birthday we give and receive gifts from everyone we know? If you know the answer please chime in below - inquiring minds want to know...

Back to the first statement - I am thankful to have received quite a few gifts this season and am grateful for each one, why? Because I appreciate the thought. In reality though there are some people that just shouldn't be allowed to give gifts. Now for fear of hurting the person's feelings I will not disclose the gift I got this year that should be burnt in front of an angry mob - but I will tell you this - Once I got a gift so bad that I re-gifted it gave it away and 4 years later got it back from someone else. It had apparently made the rounds through many of my friends and got right back to me.....That's BAD! It was a "designer shirt" - lime green with zips that didn't open. One sleeve was longer than the other and the collar had one side up and the other down....and the worst part is that the person who designed the shirt actually intended for it to look that way...

Then I started thinking - what was my reaction when I first got the gift - Oh I remember, It's the response to the way I receive every gift "Thanks - you didn't have to - I really appreciate it," BUT in some cases I am  thinking "Does this person even like me? Why on earth would he/she give me something like this? How quickly can I get rid of it?" It may sound bad but I am sure you have all had those same thoughts at one point or another.

My advice to gift givers this season and in general is this - try to figure out what it is someone wants before you go out to get a random gift - and if you have no clue - go generic - get something every man or woman wants/needs that they can't have enough of (please exclude toilet paper, toothpaste and all other toiletries - that just doesn't go down very well). For women it's difficult to miss with jewellery and perfume, for men it's difficult to miss with a shirt (if you know the size), electronics or cologne. These gifts may be generic but it gives your gift the opportunity to stay with the intended receiver and not passed around like a ziggy at a frat party.

 When all is said and done - let's try to remember the real reason we celebrate Christmas. Have a wonderful day my friends...

ps - Happy Birthday J Money!