Always Open Gifts

It's time to relate the sad but true tale of a little joke gone awry. It involves a dingbat who does a lot of crafty stuff (me) and her sister with a sense of humor. There is a lesson to be learned here, and I hope you all profit by it.

You see, we don't always get together for Christmas, so gifts are often mailed back and forth. Last year on Christmas morning I unwrapped a box from her to discover she had sent a "Make Your Own Umbrella Kit." The box was covered in pictures of people sporting basic umbrellas, and described the 146 pieces inside. All I needed were some "simple tools" - which would involve a trip to the hardware store.

The box sat for a while on the counter, then it went into the garage. I briefly debated actually making an umbrella, and decided I just didn't have the patience to make something like that. Off it finally went to the thrift store for some other crafty person to tackle.

Months later, during a phone conversation, the umbrella kit came up.

"Did you ever open your Christmas gift?"

"erm, yes, thanks!"

"You didn't open it, did you?"

"um, well..."

"What did you do with it?"

"Well, I just didn't see myself making an umbrella, so I donated it."

. . .The sound of laughter from the other end of the phone line. . .

"It was a joke!"

"What?"

"The box! There was a pink fluffy bathrobe inside. The box was a joke!" More laughter.

"oh"

So this year, as I pulled gifts from her out of the big UPS box, I noticed mine is soft and squishy. Whatever it is, I'm opening it.

You can see a picture of the box (no longer available) here.