Worst Christmas Gifts

Somebody had to publish the list of worst Christmas gifts, though the Guardian UK did one better, they produce photographs.

I have two personal stories to share. One was told to me by my mother. She had an Aunt Nellie who was known for her frugality. To put things in perspective, the time was the Great American Depression. Uncle Raymond had a great job managing a factory, while his brother, my Grandfather was unemployed. Thinking that my Mother, a very sweet and innocent young lady was already accustomed to poverty, Aunt Nellie gave to her a hedge apple for Christmas. A hedge apple is absolutely worthless. Not even animals could find a use for them. So, Mother never forgot the gift and while she eventually befriended her aunt, the gift remained one of the worst she had ever received.

Now, I actually made a request for something that people often joke about. I wanted a lump of coal. Why, I wanted to make a chemical garden and that requires a lump of coal. I could not get anyone to take the request seriously, though my Dad said if you want one, just walk along the railroad tracks until you find a piece. In those days, train cars frequently moved coal and it was fairly common for some of the lumps to fall off.

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