The case of stinky Christmas gifts

Opening a Christmas gift is always a source of stress for me. Because the only socially acceptable reaction in this situation is smiling and being thankful. But I'm always scared of being betrayed by the expression of my face. This is probably a trauma due to the family of one of my ex-boyfriend. The tradition in this family was to film people opening their presents. And to watch the records of the previous years again and again. So you had no right to make a mistake. If you had not the right smile on your face, it would be immortalized and it would come back at every Christmas to haunt you until your death. Or until you break up.

"It's the thought that counts". Ok, but what was my ex-mother-in-law thinking of when she bought this for me?

I found this picture in Google Images, it's the same style as the one I received, but mine was a bit worse. 

I broke up with her son before the following Christmas, but I swear it was not (only) for getting away from the showing of the record of me opening this gift.

My father is also a specialist for stinky gifts. But fortunately, a smile - even a fake one - is enough to fool him! This year was no exception to the rule. He bought me a dress. It's a pity I didn't take a picture of me wearing it. Not only is the pattern a visual aggression, but it is also a bit unsuitable. I admit I put on some weight since I've been in Erasmus, but this dress would still be too large if I put on 30 more kilos. But I love my Dad anyway. What was his gift last year again.....Oh ya, I remember : a satchel bag with the inscription "La Poste" (French postal service). Hmmm thanks Dad!

Didn't you receive an email from eBay the day after Christmas? I did. The title was : "Disappointed with your Christmas gifts? Sell them on eBay!". I've never sold a present on eBay. Maybe I'm not cynic enough. Or maybe the stinky presents I received were too stinky to be sold to anyone.

Is it cynic not to like a present? Presents are well-meant, people who bought them spent time to choose them, put a part of their soul into them. So I think it is cynic. Or rather, I thought it was. Until I visit this website : http://whydidyoubuymethat.com/ . Now I know that some presents have no soul! Here is my "favourite":

This is not a present, this is almost malice!

Now I almost like my new dress. Thanks David Hasselhoff!