The Art of Giving Gifts.

The day before we got married, Ben saw me breakdown in tears for the first time. It was really traumatic for both of us. It came from opening the presents that we bought each other. We were actually both really disappointed, but my emotions got the best of me. I thought my gift was perfect. I went to Bath and Body Works and bought a massage kit and some candles. {Romantic, right?} I went completely over budget, but I thought it was worth it because he would love it so much. I opened my gift, and it was a clock. What? A clock, really? Why would you buy me a clock? What is wrong with you? Why would I want a clock? What does this say about our relationship? I was upset, however, I thought I would feel better when he opened his gift and realized what a great decision he made by marrying me. He opened his gift, and looked at me and said, really, lotions? Why would you get this for me? This is not for me, this is for you. WHAT!? Oh, that did it. I was mad. How dare he accuse me of buying his gift for me? I cried all the way home. I was devastated. Luckily my dad calmed me down by telling me that it would be okay, gift giving was hard, even for people that had been married for a long time.

It took us one round of birthdays and one Christmas to realize we were going about gift giving the wrong way for us. Now we give money or gift certificates, or we buy our own gifts and let the other wrap them. We will throw in a surprise or two, but we generally pick out our own gifts. Is this weird? Probably, but it works for us. We are never disappointed and we are both happy at the end of the day. I think that counts for something.

I know that this season is not just about gifts, but it is a fun part of the tradition.  This is the way we have a drama free celebration- I don't go over budget on something he doesn't like, and I don't get a clock. 

 

 

Our Christmas "tree".