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The Gift of the Magi, by O. edgarblythe

 
 
Reply Tue 20 Dec, 2005 06:14 pm
My first wife didn't get many gifts from me; certainly no expensive ones. I felt too disappointed in her as a person. I won't tear into her character any more than that, and you can take it with a grain of salt, since she's not here to defend herself. She was first in line for the goodies at Christmas time. I don't recall any of the gifts I bought for her, but there always were some. Together we produced two beautiful children. Then we divorced. She married a man who had three sons by her. Somewhere in the middle of it, she became a Jehovah's Witness. As Christmas approached that year, our children were informed that Christmas is not Jesus' birthday; therefore she would not celebrate anymore or buy any presents. My kids asked me, and I told them, "No, it's not his birthday. But, if you find an orphan whose birthday is unknown, you select a day to celebrate anyway. They chose December 25th, which is as good a day as any. She is wrong, but we have to go along with her."

My second wife and I almost always opt for the modest. We have never bought into debt for Christmas gifts, even with four children. People who say the commercialism is what turns them off don't have to spend all that to have a good holiday. A few times I have splurged on impulse, but it was a special effort, something not required. My favorite alltime gift to my wife came on our 25th anniversary. Our kids gave us a large party. I bought a nice four slice toaster and hid an anniversary ring in the packing. I fooled her good that night.
Sometimes, when money is tighter than normal, we skip gifts altogether. Togetherness is more important to us than that kind of stuff.
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Type: Discussion • Score: 2 • Views: 2,223 • Replies: 5
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CrazyDiamond
 
  1  
Reply Tue 20 Dec, 2005 07:06 pm
Nice, heart-warming story edgar Very Happy
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Reyn
 
  1  
Reply Tue 20 Dec, 2005 07:09 pm
Re: The Gift of the Magi, by O. edgarblythe
edgarblythe wrote:
We have never bought into debt for Christmas gifts.....

You get my vote on that one, Edgar. We always budget a certain amount for that time of the year and stick with it.

Our family has never gone without.
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CrazyDiamond
 
  1  
Reply Tue 20 Dec, 2005 07:11 pm
Unfortunately, edgar I've never been married, so I can't really relate to the whole wife thingy. Despite this, I experience something similar; me and my sisters usually don't buy each other presents, but every once in a while we surprise one another. I really don't care what it is I got, it's just the great feeling of knowing that they care about you.
Nothing like it in the world. That's the spirit of Christmas in action. Very Happy
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Reyn
 
  1  
Reply Tue 20 Dec, 2005 10:10 pm
CrazyDiamond wrote:
I really don't care what it is I got, it's just the great feeling of knowing that they care about you.
Nothing like it in the world. That's the spirit of Christmas in action. Very Happy

I would agree with you CD. That a nice dinner! :wink:

Actually, most times my wife and I don't buy each other gifts at Christmas. Just for our daughters and selected relatives.

I don't for myself, but I tell my wife just to buy something for herself for the occasion, and she's fine with that.

I make a fuss for her birthday and our wedding anniversary though.
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edgarblythe
 
  1  
Reply Tue 20 Dec, 2005 10:19 pm
We're happy just doing things together.
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