No Need To Feel Guilty About Gifts Anymore

I know Christmas is over. I know it's time to start focusing on Valentine's Day. I know, I know, I know. I have to post this anyway because it still makes me giggle every time I think about it, a month to the day later.

Let me preface this by saying that I never expect gifts from anyone. The wee ones have more than they could possibly ever want, and while we appreciate each and every person who thinks so highly of my children as to bless them with a special gift, that doesn't mean I can't giggle sometimes, too.

On Christmas Day, we were at an aunt and uncle's house (not the ones featured in this story, just to be clear). It was gift-a-palooza for the wee ones as various family members showered presents upon them. It was all I could do to keep up with what they were opening and try to figure out what each child was looking at before the next thing appeared.

After a bit, Mister Man appeared at my side with a Gladware container of Legos, his favorite. It was a Harry Potter little Lego set, and he was thrilled. I was examining the set as he demonstrated it, thinking it was neat for someone to share their toy with him.

Soon enough, Mister Man was lured away by yet another present, and I went back to the wee ones opening their presents. An aunt (not the one hosting) sidled up to me.

I hope you don't mind, she smiled at me. I found that Lego set on a shelf in the basement, and I thought Mister Man would love it. I know how into Legos he is.

I smiled vaguely at her, nodding. Yep, he loves his Legos. That was so sweet of you to share that with him. I made a mental note to make sure he returned it to her before we left.

Jared (not his real name, but her grandsom who is in middle school and who visits periodically when he comes to stay with his dad) left it at our house one time awhile ago, and I figured he didn't play with it anymore, so it was perfect to pass along to Mister Man.

Oh, it's for him to keep? That's so sweet of you. He'll love playing with it over and over again, I smiled again before returning my attention to the wee ones.

I'm so glad you don't mind that we wrapped it up for him. It just seemed like such a perfect fit.

Screeeeech.

Wait.

That was his Christmas present from you? You wrapped up a Gladware piece of a hand me down toy from a child who left the toy at your house and doesn't know that you've now given it away? And that's what you choose to give to someone for Christmas?

First, I don't expect a Christmas present from anyone, let alone from them. The wee ones have plenty, and we're just happy to see people and spend time with them. Second, regifting is ... interesting, but now you're openly, blatantly just passing this off as a gift? Really, just hand him the box unwrapped and tell him you thought he'd enjoy this. It isn't a Christmas present, and I'm ok with that.

Wrapping it up and pretending like it was a present (and no, they aren't in the least hurting for money - this isn't about that for them at all)? That is just plain weird. And makes me giggle.

I really am a bad person, aren't I?

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