I looked at Declan and saw a mild frowny face.
I leaned over and whispered, “What’s wrong?”
“Mine’s broken,” he answered.
I looked at the gift bag he was holding, knowing full well the toy inside was intact.
Once a year my neighbor dresses as Santa Claus for all the kids to come visit. Before the visit, parents drop small presents off for Santa to give to their children at their visit.
In Declan’s gift bag I had gifted new Spiderman webs. Still sealed. One red, one blue.
“Declan, your gift is not broken. I promise. Look – it’s perfect!”
“It’s broken,” Declan repeated and held the bag up, “My gift isn’t wrapped. Gifts are supposed to be wrapped. Mine’s BROKEN.”
So, that was the holiday I learned all gifts are to be WRAPPED for them to count as gifts to Declan.
I thought about this the other day as another day of celebration was approaching. My husband’s birthday.
And after all the gifts were purchased and wrapped, I smiled.
Sometimes wrapping a gift takes the guessing out of it.
I don’t know if my husband would have to guess which one was from Declan – since Declan has gotten him the same birthday and Christmas present for years.
It’s always a ball. Because Daddy likes sports, he gets a ball. He gets a WRAPPED ball.
I love the wrapped ball. It’s one of many cute little Declanism’s that makes him so special.
The big day came, and in great anticipation Declan waited for Daddy to open his gift.
Daddy guessed it was a Hippopotamus – which totally made Declan laugh.
It wasn’t a Hippopotamus. It was a special new ball.
Daddy loved his gifts. Especially the wrapped ball. Because the wrapped ball will be a memory we will have to treasure forever!
My husband, David, went to a fundraiser for an organization that works with autistic children and adults. He has a great time and talked to some of the adults and parents of kids. He said there was an autistic stand up comedian. He said this man does his whole routine telling the audience what it is like to be a person with autism. Apparently he goes all over the US and Canada. His father goes with him. He was going to the US to open for Temple Grandin at a conference.
Oh, wow – that’s great! I’d like to see him – thanks for letting me know!
Makes sense! Wrapping a ball is simple, you simply put it in a box that is bigger than the d ball! Try wrapping something hard like a guitar.
Ooh, yeah – the guitar would be tough!
I always think the first guess (especially if you are trying not to get it right) is something you secretly want. I think somebody secretly wants a cuddly Hippo!
Its those little nuisances which you pick up as they get older. I have to be careful with the type of wrapping paper. If a present is covered in multicoloured wrapping then our son won’t open it himself. Almost can’t touch it or even look at it. Just got to use one coloured plain paper. These things might seem trivial to some but they are in practice hugely significant.
Wow, you’re right! I would have never picked up on Declan’s need for the gift to be wrapped unless he told me. That is something to think about – that even the wrapping could cause a concern!
Aww, Declan has very special parents! I love the look on his face as he anticipates his dad’s reaction 💕. You’ve captured great memories!
Thank you!
This is so sweet! I love that your husband plays along.
Thank you! He is a good sport 🙂
Definitely, there is a difference between a product and a gift 🎁. The difference is probably the absence and presence of love ❤️. I am with Declan on this. Have a wonderful evening. All the blessings to you and your family.
So cute. What a great dad!
You’re family is just perfect, love reading about them
Thank you so much! 🙂