Bad Gifts...Good Gifts...Can you explain it?

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

Ok, yesterday I got a package in the mail from my aunt, obviously for Christmas. I was surprised she had it send to us, as she is coming to our house on Christmas night for coffee & dessert (no one is too fond of her or her husband, but being the good girl that I am last year I decided to invite them for coffee and dessert and it worked out pretty well. So I told her I expected her again this year in September). My aunt has known me my entire life and what did she send me??? The UGLIEST candles I've ever seen. (Obviously not Yankee Candles). 4 red balls with some green in them (I'm assuming it's supposed to be holly & ivy). DH says they look like Monkey Brains (since I've never seen monkey brains, I'll not pass judgement).

On the other hand, a co-worker who I have known for 3 years gave me a small Christmas Mickey snowglobe. Very cute and definitely in my taste (last year he got me a Mickey picture frame).

How can someone who has not known me as long as a relative come up with appropriate and appreciated gifts when someone I have known my entire life give me crappy candles?

Sigh...I know it's the thought that counts...that's why I'm giving my aunt a framed photo of her and my father that I took last year.

 

[ChiTownZee]

The UGLIEST candles I've ever seen.

Maybe she didn't think they were so ugly. Everyone has different tastes, just look around in the stores, so many thing I would buy because I don't like the style or whatever, but somebody buys them. And I'm sure I have things that others think are tacky. I would find a place for them so you can burn them when your Aunt is visiting, and after she's gone, well then they will be burned and you won't have to worry about how ugly you think they are.

 

[Ricola]

Or you could save them for Halloween, and scare the kids!

 

[Annie&Hallie'sMom]

Good idea Ricola, but I will be displaying them on Christmas so she can see them.

To be honest, I wish she would skip the Christmas presents (last year was the first year she got us anything) and just invite my DH and I up to her house one day during the summer. They live on a lake and it would nice to visit and take a dip!

 

[disykat]

I guess it is all about taste. I saw a gift thread and I have to complain about the gift we got yesterday from my husband's sister. Most other households would love a gift of mixed nuts, but since my son has peanut allergies and we keep a nut-free house... You'd think after 8 years, dh's family would know better. ARRGH! Yeah, you think family would know you....