Wrong suit

The Christmas season was upon us, and I was determined to ask for what I really wanted that year from Santa Claus. My usual answer was “nothing,” or I would request that my children make me something, such as a potholder or a handmade bookmark. But this year I knew what I wanted: A bee suit along with gloves and the smoker tools of a serious beekeeper.

My husband seemed relieved that he did not have to come up with a gift idea. And even better, I told him exactly where he could get the suit and supplies.

When Christmas day arrived, I felt confident that my wish would be granted. We focused on the children getting a present they would love, and I tried my best to give my husband something he would like.

Anticipation filled the living room as we gathered around the colorfully decorated tree. All the presents were opened except for mine. My husband sheepishly handed me a large box, and I tore the paper away and opened the package. Even though I knew what it was, I was excited.

Opening the box, I was totally speechless. A yellow chicken costume tumbled onto the floor. My first reaction to everyone’s laughter was anger. To me it was not funny. But then I also laughed and asked where the real bee suit was. To my dismay, there was no bee suit, gloves or smoker.
Christmas is not about presents but, to this day, I have never forgotten the worst present I ever received.

Alice Price, Todd, a member of Blue Ridge Energy

Myriad Unmentionables

The worst gift I’ve ever received was for my 33rd birthday. A passion of mine is to create new food dishes for my family, on the grill. George, my husband of 12 years, really enjoys the Honeymoon Steak I make for him on special occasions. Brooke, our 7-year-old daughter, favors my chicken and fruit kabobs.

Last Christmas while I was turning over George’s steak to apply the first layer of my secret Bar-B-Q sauce, my favorite tongs broke. The tongs are my treasure because they once belonged to my dad before he died.

This year, my birthday landed on a Sunday. George and Brooke planned a surprise party for me. Invitations were completed by our 7-year-old then sent without being reread by my husband. The invitations read as follows: “YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND DAWN’S BAR-B-Q BIRTHDAY PARTY. Please buy my mommy a new pair of thongs. All shapes & sizes & colors will be used. Mommy lost her favorite pair of thongs from years of overusing them.”

Needless to say, after I opened my fourth gift and discovered yet another pair of thong underwear, Brooke walked over to me and whispered “Mommy, how do you spell TONGS?”

Donna Yates, Havelock, a member of Carteret-Craven EC

Unwanted Surprise

Sept. 27 is my birthday, and I am sure others did not like that day in 2024. At 2:20 in the morning, I awoke to Helene pouring four feet of water under our house, for four days! With a September birthday, I am used to hurricanes hitting around then — lost my whole life to Harvey in Texas 21 days after I retired. Helene is a “gift” I can never give back! God speed to all affected.

Anita Lake, Candler, a member of Haywood EMC

For The Potato Lover

The worst gift that I ever received was a potato twirler for the microwave. It was the only present I received for Christmas from my dad’s third wife. I have been blessed to be married to my high school sweetheart — I live and love my place in Banner Elk.

Patty Conolly, Banner Elk, Blue Ridge Energy

Very Slightly Used

My elderly stepmom, whom I loved with all my heart, was a faithful Christian, a lover of nature and all whom she met. For her birthday I bought her a porcelain hummingbird wind chime. She showed her love and appreciation for her gift.

Never did I see her hang it up, but thought nothing more of it.

Until my birthday came around, and lo and behold, my gift was a porcelain hummingbird wind chime — with a broken beak!
I love her and miss her.

Sheri Kern, Chadbourn, a member of Brunswick EMC