Susan, my wife’s mother, tried to take away my daughter’s Christmas gift, and I still remember it. Something happened that set off a chain of events that taught me how important it is to set limits and show thanks.
I finally got a new job that year, so I could spend a little more on Christmas gifts. Eve, my nine-year-old daughter, had been doing really well in school and couldn’t wait to see what Santa had brought her.
Susie had other ideas, though. She promised to return the doll she had given Eve as soon as she saw the pile of gifts under the tree. Why did she do it? To show Eve that getting what you want isn’t always possible.
I was shocked by what Susan did, but I tried to bury it. When I realised she meant to take the gift away, I changed my mind. I knew I had to speak out.
As luck would have it, I bought Susan a luxury purse for $600 that she had been wanting for months. But because of how she behaved, I chose to teach her a lesson.
I made sure everything looked great as I carefully wrapped a $40 robe in the luxury purse box. Susan was so excited when she opened the gift that her face fell when she saw what was inside.
It was impossible to describe how happy I was when I saw the look on her face. I got my point across, and Susan finally got that what she did had results.
The rest of the day was tense because Susan didn’t talk to me much and my wife Melanie ignored me. I didn’t care, though. My daughter had a great Christmas, and Susan learnt a good lesson. That was the most important thing.
Susan left without saying goodbye at the end of the day, leaving the robe behind. Even though it was a small win, it showed that you have to stand up for what’s right sometimes, even if it makes some people mad.
Christmas is a time to be kind, forgive, and be thankful. But it’s also a good time to teach kids important lessons and set limits. That means coming up with some new ideas, so be it.
