Don’t do this to your kids.
I was friends with a girl named Anne in high school. This was at the tail end of the grunge era. Big ol’ boots were very much desired by both dudes and chicks in high school. I’m not talking about cowboy boots. I’m talking about Doc Martens. Think: Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Now that you’re right there with me, I will tell you a true story. While you may laugh, I would recommend never doing this to your kids. They will not think your joke is funny. They will not laugh. They will hate you.
Starting early October 1993, Anne began planting hints of what she wanted most for Christmas: a pair of Doc Martens. In fact, this wasn’t the thing she wanted most of all… it was all she wanted for Christmas.
Thanksgiving rolled around. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, her mom started hinting back that this was going to be a good Christmas for Anne. When Anne would inquire about the boots, her mom would just smile. Then one day, a relatively large, heavy wrapped box appeared under the Christmas tree. It had Anne’s name on it. Given the size, shape, and weight, Anne knew it had to be the boots! She was so excited she could hardly stand it. Her months of hinting had paid off and her dream was about to come true.
Christmas morning the family gathered around the tree to open gifts. Her mom wanted to save the best for last, so Anne’s package remained unopened as other gifts were revealed. Finally, it was her turn! She opened the box, squealing with delight. And do you know what it was? A box of rocks. Anne’s mom could hardly control herself. She busted out with laughter, nearly crying. Anne’s brothers just stared at her. Surely this was a joke. “Ha ha. Very funny.” Surely Mom will go into the other room and reappear with the boots. Right? Right?!
No. There was no other box. Ever. Anne received rocks that Christmas. Her mother was quite impressed with the joke. Anne was not. She was not impressed one little bit. It was the worst Christmas of her life.
This Christmas, please do not do this to your kids. Their anger and resentment has potential to last a lifetime.
p.s. – Happy birthday, Jeff!
Wow. What a way to send a really damaging message to a young girl’s heart. “You’re not worth nice gifts and your dreams are stupid.”
This wasn’t a joke. It was a trick.
You’re kidding, right? Anne is a fictional character, this is an allegory you came up with to make a point?
Leah, I wish I was kidding. Anne is very much real and her mom really did this. Terrible, I know.
OMGOSH, this is horrible. Maybe if she had hidden the boots or even another gift somewhere that wouldn’t have been so bad. But rocks, poor girl. Geez.
Anne who?
I didn’t know you read my blog, Nate! It’s Anne R., of course. Do you remember when her mom did that? So not cool.
I don’t remember that happening, but I won’t discount the event. I can very much see that happening. So sad.
That’s so cruel. Why did her mom do this?
Judy, I have no idea. I just sent this post’s link to Anne. Hopefully she’ll read it and shed some light on WHY.
Didn’t Pastor Eric say he was HOPING to get a rock this Christmas? It’s to go with the stick he got for his birthday.
That is so *&^% mean. I bet she had major issues with her Mom for a long, long time. Tragic. THese types of things leave lifelong scars on children. I know we are supposed to have compassion and forgiveness but I am not feeling it for this mean Mom