It's Monday, December 15th - and ten more days 'till Christmas.  And what's Making Me Crazy this Monday?  Gifts - or rather,  gift recipients who take all the joy out of the spirit of giving - and the spirit of the holidays.

The following story was written about a year ago (right before Christmas) and published on the Travels With Bella Figura USA blog.  It's a true story - unfortunately - but worth repeating; if only as a reminder to not let other people steal your joy!

"The Perfect Gift - For The Less Than Perfect Recipient"

I know it's the time of year when thoughts should turn to "Peace on Earth and Goodwill Towards Men - and Women," but I'm steamed.  Steamed as in "smoke coming out of my ears" PO'd.  Why such a lack of holiday warmth and cheer you ask?  Well, sit back and let me tell you a tale (you've been warned there would be occasional rants!)

For the last several weeks there's been a lot of discussion here at Bella Figura USA about gifts - Holiday gifts - Christmas gifts - the "perfect" gift - etc.  Now this was "work conversation" since I was in the process of writing our Gift Giving Guide - and I was thinking a lot about gifts I've received, gifts I wished I'd received, and gifts I've given to others.  But I also had several conversations with friends on the subject of gifts.  Well, here's the story, relayed by a friend, that has my knickers in a twist.  (All names have been changed to protect the GUILTY).

"Kyra" has a sis-in-law, "Jezebel," that's a real pain in the ass neck.  And in the many years Kyra's been married to the brother, she's never been able to come up with a gift for Jezebel that Jezebel appreciated.  So a couple Christmas seasons ago, Kyra "racked her brain" for ideas on a really terrific gift that maybe for once, Jezebel would actually like.  Aha!  She knew Jezebel really enjoyed afternoon tea, and she had just seen a gorgeous solid mahogany presentation box filled with an assortment of fine teas.  Kyra was thrilled - she thought she'd finally hit on the perfect gift: the box was beautiful, anyone would be proud to have it out on a sideboard or table - and it held a product that sis-in-law really liked!

With great anticipation of finally getting a smile of delight, she gave the gift to Jezebel.  And what do you suppose happened?  Did Jezebel flash that smile, and graciously thank her?  Did she seem somewhat surprised, but still manage a very heartfelt, warm thank you?

Hell Heck no - not only did the "rhymes with snitch, ditch, witch" not manage a "thank you,"  she had the stupidity to show what a low class, "born and bred in a barn," miserable excuse for a human being she is, by getting MAD and berating Kyra for giving her such a THOUGHTLESS gift.  After all, "what the hell was she supposed to do with all that tea?" She could never possibly drink all that - so what was Kyra thinking in "burdening her" (my words) with such a lousy present?

Hm, hm, hm, oh my... my sainted mother, who never let so much as a "damn" pass her lips, is SPINNING in her grave at the mere thought of the colorful words and phrases in my head at this moment!  But dear reader, I won't put them in print - fill in your own favorite expletives to describe this woman and her FOUL behavior.

But why do I even bother to relate this story?   Because many people feel pressure, not joy, in gift giving - especially this time of year.  And it's so unfortunate because that misses the point of what giving is truly about.  And unfortunately, we all have people in our lives who are like Jezebel - perhaps not as outrageous - but real "kill joys" nonetheless. 

So if ever  faced with the nasty "can't even manage a Thank You" recipient, just remember: it has NOTHING to do with you. It is all about them - and their own pathetic insecurity and miserable life.  Without even realizing it, their behavior is broadcasting to the world: LOSER - "I'm such a jerk and I'm so rabidly threatened by you and jealous of your life (your accomplishments, your family, blah, blah, blah) that I don't even have the 'character' (not to mention brains) to just be polite and gracious."  So feel sorry for the pathetic loser - and greatly curtail your time with them as much as possible!

Rant over - Happy Holidays!

Do you have any horror stories of people behaving badly?  If so, how did you deal with them?  I'd love to hear.