Always love when someone does the book club questions. Thanks Shannon. the narrator def still stinks at singing hahah. but I think it was good the parents withheld the gift maybe? but it’s also like did they have a good reason not to go to their cousins? the mom should have spoken up and been less cold
I have a friend that went one step further. The threat to withhold the gift from the badly behaved boy turned into nightmare reality - upping the ante by publicly re gifting to another family member. Lesson burned into the memory, no doubt.
I thought withholding the rock band game was a bit too much. Seeing the boy’s reaction to it would have warmed dad’s heart. Nice story bringing back memories of the excitement of Christmas morning.
Thanks for reading, as ever George. I think you're right about that. The excitement of Christmas morning and watching kids enjoy it is the best part of Christmas. A shame the kids in this story didn't really have a great reaction to their gifts...
Clanc, from the cousins to the spoiled nieces and nephews, this one hit a little too close to home. And yes of course I gave those little monsters everything they asked for!
Wonderful! This struck a familiar, bittersweet chord. My kid is perfect, obviously, but I do know a Paisley or two. 1.) No, I despise the parents who surely understand the misery of spending holidays with jerk relatives 2. Even if the narrator still can't hit a note, Frank is found family, and they always say yes.
I can see how the past influenced the present. It would be better if children obeyed their parents out of love and respect rather than fear of loss or expectation of reward. I always enjoy your storytelling Clancy.
Bookclub answers:
1) I think the parents could have found a more thoughtful way to utilize the moment, but it was definitely believable
2) I doubt she’s any better
Now I’m wondering if my grandkids are going to set my gifts aside and never look at them again. Haha!
Always love when someone does the book club questions. Thanks Shannon. the narrator def still stinks at singing hahah. but I think it was good the parents withheld the gift maybe? but it’s also like did they have a good reason not to go to their cousins? the mom should have spoken up and been less cold
I have a friend that went one step further. The threat to withhold the gift from the badly behaved boy turned into nightmare reality - upping the ante by publicly re gifting to another family member. Lesson burned into the memory, no doubt.
Ha, I like that! Maybe the dad should have publicly donated.
I thought withholding the rock band game was a bit too much. Seeing the boy’s reaction to it would have warmed dad’s heart. Nice story bringing back memories of the excitement of Christmas morning.
Thanks for reading, as ever George. I think you're right about that. The excitement of Christmas morning and watching kids enjoy it is the best part of Christmas. A shame the kids in this story didn't really have a great reaction to their gifts...
Not all stories are happy stories. I enjoy your writing, best of luck.
Paramore?! Amazing
Clanc, from the cousins to the spoiled nieces and nephews, this one hit a little too close to home. And yes of course I gave those little monsters everything they asked for!
thanks Sudana. paramore very much of the time hahah. hope you had a good christmas little monsters included
Wonderful! This struck a familiar, bittersweet chord. My kid is perfect, obviously, but I do know a Paisley or two. 1.) No, I despise the parents who surely understand the misery of spending holidays with jerk relatives 2. Even if the narrator still can't hit a note, Frank is found family, and they always say yes.
Thank you for reading, Ek!
Good story.
Thanks Andrew !
Love the way you wrap it at the end. Or unwrap it. Whatever. Merry Christmas!
haha thanks Jonathan!
I can see how the past influenced the present. It would be better if children obeyed their parents out of love and respect rather than fear of loss or expectation of reward. I always enjoy your storytelling Clancy.