I have undeveloped consumer taste so I am not the best present giver. Generally my gift giving strategy tends to boil down to a) something I would like; or b) something I think the other person should like. This is not to be confused with carefully selected items based on observation of the receiver’s habits, recent purchases, style, etc…
Using my gift-giving strategy, I gave my mother an Anne Klein watch one year for Christmas. Came in a box. Included several discs to change the color on the perimeter of the face. Was a name brand. (I think. Isn’t Anne Klein sort of a fashion statement?)
My mother, trust me, did not like it. She wore it most every time she saw me, though, and it was in her drawer when my sister and I went through her things after she died. The watch battery was drained, and the navy colored fashion disc was missing, but otherwise, it was in good shape. So I claimed it back – not unlike the way you can claim gifts back in some of those dreadful office party Secret Santa games.
Now that the watch is mine, I understand why Mom didn’t love it. It’s too big for one thing. And without the navy disc, it has limited fashion use. But in my quest to cultivate holiday spirit, I went out today had the watch battery replaced.
Love it. Yes, it’s a little awkward because of the size. But my mother used it it symbolize her love for me, and now that it is working and in tip-top shape, I won’t be able to look at it without reflecting on my love for her.
I’ll wear the red disc on Christmas. Mom would like that.
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