So I was at my mom's house on Sunday going through her old Christmas decorations. We found the old advent calendar that my Granny (dad's mom) used to send us every year. It's a long embroidered candle with a with 24 rings. She'd tie some kind of little wrapped gift on each ring, and we four kids would each take turns opening a present until Christmas day.
It's one of my favorite Christmas memories.
When we found it, and my mom offered to give it to me, I was thrilled and touched. I went to the store today, and carefully selected some little gifts for Sophie and for Janzen. I wrapped them in tissue, tied them with ribbon, and attached them on the candle.
Tonight, I unveiled the calendar, ceremoniously untied the first gift, (some lavender fizzy bath hearts) and gave it to Sophie to open.
Her response?
"Oh crap. I don't really like these."
So, I took the calendar down, told her I was going to give the presents to someone who would appreciate them, and sent her to bed.
Comment whore wants to know: Should I give her a second chance?
Could it be that she didn't really get how special it was to you? I'd give it another shot. If she still doesn't dig it, YOU get the gifts!
Posted by: Kathryn | December 01, 2008 at 09:53 PM
Have you told her about the Memories it holds for you. That each gift is different and that they are just something "fun" not suppose to meet her wish list?
I know how you fell about her reaction - my adult daughter 28 years old - did basically the same thing this weekend. I was HURT not pissed but HURT by her reaction, her Husband saw my reaction and jumped her butt which made it worse...........and I couldn't just send her to her room!
Give her a second chance and all the info and memories you can. Then if she doesn't do better make her watch YOU open the gifts.
Posted by: OMH | December 02, 2008 at 08:06 AM
For your sake as well as hers, give her another chance and your expectations for her response. She'll probably look forward to it and love it next year.
Posted by: reddirtgirl | December 05, 2008 at 08:21 PM
it's a good chance to teach her that she should never say anything like that to anyone when getting a gift, and what getting a gift means. maybe then ask HER if she should get another chance. of course, it's the 9th now.
Posted by: patrice | December 09, 2008 at 03:02 PM