it's the thought that counts...

Have you ever received a bad gift then heard the expression; "It's the thought that counts!"?

I have, and I wasn't to happy to hear it at the time. Let me explain and hopefully, we can all walk away from my experience with a better understanding of what it means to put thought into a gift.

My mother has 8 syblings. And each of her syblings has at least 2 children (sometimes more) and many of these children have children. This means that the total sum of presents exchanged each Christmas is to say the least, Massive.

To relieve this problem, we draw names. All adults draw adult names and then they draw a child's name for their children.

My question is, "How was one of two of my Aunts boyfriends allowed into list?" and "Why, Why, Why did he get my name?"

I had a pretty good Christmas morning and after the family dinner of the normal 12 lbs of mashed-tators and turkey we began to open the gifts.

Of course, I really didn't care what I got because it is not the gifts it is the occasion.

But let me tell you what I pulled out of the box after tearing the wrapping off.

(I can't even believe they make these things.)

Drum roll please...

An 8 inch squared, lighted, rotary, Last-supper clock.
Yes, that's right a Last-supper clock that lights up from behind.

total estimated cost: $8

Here's the closest thing I could find on google:


I look up and as always my mother, with all the good intentions of the world asked me what I got. I think that she could see the fumes forming in the fiber of my normal holiday glee. I held it up and showed her. Her face forms a gross look as she tells me, "Well, it is the thought that counts."

Alright, blog readers, here's what I ask of you. Read the description above of my fabulous gift, look at the picture and ask yourself this, "Was there much thought put into this?"

This man barely knows me. All he does know about me is that I go to Bible College and want to be a pastor. Is that all it takes to be counted into the category of those who would hang that on their wall?

Thinking to yourself, "Jeremy goes to Bible College, he's religious, he would love this." Does not count as putting thought into a gift.

What is also funny is that 5 seconds before I open it he says to me, "Now, if you don't like it, your grandmother said she would love to have it. And I would not be offended if you did."

My question to this is; "Why give a gift to someone when you know there is a possibly the receipient would not like it?"

So the lesson from Jeremy Perrine's Christmas '04 Experience is this:
If you want to put thought into buying a gift, actually put thought into it. Takes 5 minutes to call a parent or friend to inquire about your purchase. Don't assume you have the perfect gift. Because you know what happens when you assume?

I hope that you find this story as humurous and educating to read as I did to experience.

Are there any similar Holiday gift surprises that would be worth hearing?