If you are positive your husband gets you the worst Christmas gifts ever, I’m excited to hear whether you can beat my own “worst Christmas gifts ever” story. The first year we were together, the Very Tall Man whom I love harder than hard cider gave me the following for Christmas:
1 – Set of knives
1 – Package of socks
1 – Set of 4 wine glasses
1 – Can of pineapple (That’s right. A wrapped can of pineapple.)
I made a big deal about how much I loved those gifts, which he wrapped all by himself by the way. It probably went something like, “Oh the things I will chop & dice whilst wearing my socks and planning for the future of the 16 oz. of crushed pineapple I now own outright.”
Inside I was shocked. Hurt. Confused. This is the same guy I knew to be incredibly generous and thoughtful, and yet his Christmas gift skills seemed equal to that of a 90 year old grandmother who keeps her Christmas candy dish filled with Luden’s Cough Drops, half sticks of gum and various peppermints she’s gotten for free at various restaurants throughout the year.
It took me months before I found the courage to ask him about the gifts.
“You kept saying you didn’t want anything. But, I remembered you’d mentioned several times how badly you needed a new set of knives, and how much you loved the feel of brand new socks. I got you the wine glasses because you tend to break them like they are disposable.”
And the pineapple? Turns out it was a reference to an obscure joke I’d made about pineapple months earlier.
In the words of my 5-year-old Grandson, I felt like a real Poop-Doodie Head. He’d been so thoughtful, and I’d missed it completely.
I learned TWO valuable lessons from our first Christmas together that I’m confident will help if your husband gives the worst Christmas gifts ever. Trust me.
#1 – If you are a well-known Christmas saint who routinely says things like, “Don’t get me anything,” or “There is nothing I want,” you should go ahead and crawl down from that lofty, saintly place and just be honest. I spent a lot of years trying to be the Mother Theresa of receiving gifts and it was actually the most selfish thing I could have done.
When someone cares for you and wants to experience the joy of seeing your face light up on Christmas morning, it’s a singularly “jerk” move to rob them of that feeling. Therefore, if you are asked what you want ANSWER THE QUESTION! Make a list. You’re not a bad human woman for doing so.
#2 – If you get socks, or a vacuum cleaner, or your very own can of crushed pineapple, remember that Husband is giving you a GIFT. Yes it may suck lint-covered lemon drops, (which coincidentally are also in your Grandmother’s candy dish), but there is thoughtfulness behind it. Accept it graciously and see it for what it is… love.
So to recap:
You won’t get extra points on your permanent record if you lie and tell someone who loves you that you don’t want anything for Christmas. Receiving a gift joyfully is a kindness you give to your husband (and everyone else). That’s why it’s better to GIVE than RECEIVE.
Sher Bailey has been a dedicated voice for the Love and Marriage blog for over a decade, sharing practical advice on everything from stretching a grocery budget to finding the best homeschooling resources. She writes from the unique perspective of a full-time traveler, living and working on the road in her motorhome alongside her husband and their two cats. Sher’s diverse body of work is fueled by her belief that with the right tools and a little creativity, any challenge can be turned into an opportunity for growth and adventure.
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Scary Mummy says
My husband bought me jewellery for Christmas. I’m highly allergic to metal, and can’t wear ANY jewellery. That was rough.
Grazyna Kennedy says
My husband of 30 years of marriage got me 9$ DIY embroidery kit with some sort of tiny pattern to stitch. I wear +3 glasses and really never entertained myself with projects involving needels
Laura says
My husband bought me a bidet this Christmas. My butthole Thanks you….I also cried. But it is as you had said: he thoughtfully bought it thinking I’d like it, without thinking about what it might mean.
I also was not a mother Teresa, I had told him a few grand ideas of what could be a great gift for me for Christmas, and I thought I was being smart to save him from getting a bad gift.. But he didn’t get me those things because he said he didn’t want to be obvious.
Glenna Huels Gleena says
My husband got me a makeup kit this year. Even though I rarely wear makeup. Well, the most important thing is not a gift, but attention. In the set was a mascara, which I have never used and a lot of interesting eyeliner. I’ve been doing eyelash extensions for six months now. I glue the eyelashes on myself. And my husband, knowing that, gave me the mascara anyway. By the way, I ran out of eyelashes and shampoo for cleaning eyelashes.I am now looking for a good quality store to buy these products. Who knows tell me where and how and what do you buy for eyelashes?
Zoya says
It’s so sweet of your husband to get you that makeup kit! For your eyelash extensions, I’d recommend checking out professional beauty stores online. They offer quality glues and gentle shampoos specifically for lashes. Look for well-reviewed brands to make sure you’re getting safe and effective products. You’ll find everything you need to keep your extensions looking great!
juan says
Hello, sorry for getting into your conversation but I’m also looking to buy a makeup kit, in addition to also needing to buy a shampoo for eyelash extensions, I need you to recommend a store please, I have no idea where to buy it, help!
Fahan says
It’s nice to hear that your husband gave you a makeup kit. If you need new lashes and a shampoo to clean them, checking out this store https://stacylash.com/collections/eyelash-extensions-shampoo here you can easily buy all eyelashes products in good-quality that keep your lashes clean and looking great.
jeremy says
Thank you very much to the previous comment for leaving direct access to that great store, I hope the rest see it, because it is really worth shopping there, I found exactly everything I needed and more, the amount of things it has is incredible, I will tell you I totally recommend
Ann Lee says
I really liked this article. It touches on real things couples often forget. Being honest, talking through problems, and making decisions together can truly keep a marriage strong. My partner and I have learned that small daily efforts matter more than big gestures.