Is this a Gift?

today our daily blog
is from zonababy
she has decided to share with
us her version of the uncomfortable gift

Is this a Gift?

by zonababy


While writing about my purple bread gift yesterday I began thinking about all the strange Christmas and Birthday gifts I have received over the years. There was one gift that was certainly more memorable than the rest.

When my husband and I moved to California from Arizona, we didn't have much money. We rented an apartment in a not so nice neighborhood and lived there for about six months. He found a much better job, and the first thing we did was look for a new apartment. The one we found was perfect for us. New complex, washer & dryer included and a FIREPLACE! Having lived in Arizona so long, I had never had a real honest to goodness wood burning fireplace..I was thrilled.

The first Christmas after we moved into our new place we gathered at Mr. Z's parents house on Christmas Day to open gifts. There were fifteen people there, so it was loud and confusion reigned. We decided to open one present at a time so everyone could see what others had gotten. About half an hour into the unwrapping, I picked up a really heavy gift. It was wrapped in shiny gold paper and tied with elaborate ribbons.

I excitedly began to tear the paper, and while everyone watched..I unwrapped...a Duraflame log. One Duraflame log. I looked at my husband blankly, and then looked at the person who gave it to us, an architect for the city of San Bernardino. He was smiling, "For your new fireplace!" This was no joke gift..it was for real! We thanked him, while everyone else hid smiles and laughter.

From that day on, everyone joked at every gathering where gifts were opened..."I wonder if you'll get a log?".

Have you ever gotten a gift like this? One that kinda just shocked you? I'd love to hear similar stories!!