Thoughtless Gift

Thinking about the “worst” present I have received has been a challenge. I have been lucky to receive just what I’d been wishing for from Santa and the important people in my life. I loved my skis and boots. My emerald earrings and necklace were unexpected and perfect. I always loved receiving new flannel pjs when I was a kid and my Bonnie Braids and Revlon Bride doll were just what I wanted. 

I considered being philosophical and saying my worst gift was a lie told or a promise unkept but that felt like a cop-out so I sat and thought some more. 

One Christmas, back in the 70’s I came up with a gift that I admit to not liking. I was married at the time and had made numerous suggestions for a new winter jacket. I was envisioning something warm and stylish in a fun color. I thought about a jacket that I could wear for work, casual wear, and going to a movie or out for an informal dinner. 

When Christmas morning came, there was one box under the tree that looked just the right size to be the jacket I’d been hinting about. I made sure to save this gift for last. I had other gifts sent by my family and a few other necessities from my husband. There was a new briefcase and a pair of gloves. I started to open my last gift with great anticipation. I tried to be excited about what was presented in the gift. I had a hard time because in the box was a bulky jacket, in a man’s size. The jacket was oversized and a drab color with no pizazz at all. I looked at my then-husband and wondered what he was thinking. 

I had been taught to be appreciative of gifts and I gave it my best. I tried on the jacket. It was obvious that the jacket did not compliment me. It was too large and clearly not a flattering cut. Our marriage had not been going well and I found myself thinking that this was just one more example of our mismatch. 

I wore the jacket for several years. I tried to make it work. One Saturday we were out for a walk and he asked me a question. He asked me why I always wore that jacket because he had never liked it. He said it did nothing for my appearance. I stopped in my tracks and looked directly at him. I reminded him that he had given it to me several Christmas’ ago and I was wearing it to please him. He shrugged his shoulders and said “oh”.

I learned a lesson on this day. I don’t know if the jacket was a test or simply a case of someone buying a gift without giving any thought to the receiver. I could have asked him to return it but I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. 

I donated the jacket to Good Will the following week. I saved up my money and bought a jacket that I loved. I don’t think he gave it another thought. I learned a valuable lesson.

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