Good Cheer and Liberty to All

I feel sure that most of us have received Christmas presents over the years that cause nightmares, but as parents we try to teach our children to be appreciative and gracious, regardless of what friends or relatives give them.

There was the time I received a bottle of deodorant from my new sister-in-law, and my daughter’s comment was: “Now that’s pretty insulting if you ask me.” Again, as I’d been doing through the years, I said “It’s the thought that counts, not the cost.”

This past year, I’ve been hinting that I’d like a sweater for Christmas, and I just knew that my daughter would send me one. Yesterday I received a large envelope from her, and, although it was a bit small for a sweater, I felt that just perhaps it was a very light and delicate one. So, much to my surprise, when I opened it there was not a sweater, but six little bath oil pearls.

I thought to myself, “It’s the thought that counts!” Sometimes, perhaps, mothers train their kids too well. Or was she testing me?

PENNY LINK MENICHELLI

Redlands