Painfully Practical
I have a practical streak in me that sometimes seems obnoxious. I’m sure it came from my mother, who raised my brothers and me on her own in an era of stay at home moms. Even in her old age, finally financially set, she was painfully practical. While I practice practicality year round, it really comes out at Christmas, as I search my heart for personal, yet practical presents that people will actually use and enjoy.
My niece sent me the link for a hoodie her son wants. As far as I can tell, it’s a plain gray hoodie, with a very small brand name emblem on the bottom right side of the pocket. Does he want a gray hoodie, I asked, or is the Berrics brand he is after? (Silly question, Grasshopper; he’s a teenager.)
I don’t mind buying a hoodie, but I am not inclined to pay $25 (plus shipping) for an almost invisible emblem. I know, if it is really what he wants for Christmas, what should it matter?
But how many more hoodies will he get, I wondered? Since he’s saving to purchase a car in February,
I‘m investing there. And if he buys the hoodie with the money, that’s his choice.
When I can’t think of something practical and personal, I resort to stocking stuffing.
I buy things like batteries, lighters and extension cords, throw in a candle, some candy and call it a day. People actually use those things, though I am not sure they appreciate receiving them as gifts. I do, so I give them too. It is not only their usefulness, but the convenience of their presence that makes them presents.
I’ll never forget my mother’s reaction to the new toothbrush I stuffed in her stocking. Being the preacher of practicality, and my personal mentor, I thought she would be pleased that I followed her lead. Not this time, instead she thought I was suggesting she had poor oral hygiene. Though I assured her that was not the case, it was clear she did not appreciate my gesture. I just realized this experience saved me from giving my nephew’s girlfriend one of my favorite gifts, bath and body products. Uh oh, I wonder how many female members of my family I have offended with those through the years.
Most aren’t as expressive as my mother so I may never know.
Mom used to ask for chores and favors at Christmas, which always annoyed us kids. We just wanted to buy, wrap, give and be done with it. Now as an adult, I get it; one of many things on my list that makes me feel more like my mother every day.
I used to think that was a bad thing, but now I realize the opposite; just one more sign that it is true.
Surprisingly, this revelation is practically painless.
