Deceitful December and an OPEN APOLOGY

Caution before reading:

My Mom and I have a wonderful – healthy – loving relationship (most of the time.)  This post no way reflects the other 11 months of the year.  Honestly, we are very much alike – I’m honored to be called her daughter. 

Blah…Blah…Blah.

 
Okay, one more thing….

I will probably do the same to my own children – if any of them turn out like me or like their maternal grandmother. 

In December My Mom has the “Dishonest MOM Syndrome”:

My Mom has issues with dealing with the truth in the month of December.  She even admits it.
It started when I was little.  You see – I have had a little problem.  I can’t stand not knowing what my present is, especially if it is wrapped in front of me – and out of my grasp.  (Christmas and my birthday are both in this horrible month – thus torture.)

When I was in high school – my family played the most despicable trick on me.  (I had been known to unwrap the gift and wrap it back.  Even as I typed that I remember the joy of not being caught as I pretended I was an undercover investigator. {That is my secret vocation:  aka Motherhood.})

The despicable trick you ask?

They switched all the nametags on the presents.  I thought my present was the HUGE box instead it was a little one. 

The next year it got worse. 

She gave numbers to each of her children and used that as the name.  Only she didn’t tell me what my number was.  Torture for this Private I!

Now if I ask her what my gift is – she’ll just lie.  Outright lie!  Who does that to their grown-up daughter? 

Sure, I have 5 children – pay taxes – live about 8 hours away from my Mom – and yet we are still playing the same game we have for years – Deceit in December.

I must confess…I’ve driven my Mom to deceitfulness.  I also probably have given her most of her highlights free of charge and with no chemicals.  (My kids are doing the same to me – they are so thoughtful.)

Let me just say – my Mom is an honorable woman the other 11 months of the year.  She is a Womens’ Minister.  She loves the Lord.  She gives hope to the hopeless.  I’m pretty sure she is still honest with everyone else in December – just not her children or grandchildren. 

It is a family thing.

However, she has now taught my hubby the same tricks. 

Except…one thing.

I ALWAYS find out my gifts! 

Because – I AM a PRIVATE I….(hear the background music.)
Hahahahaha!  (That is my deceitful laugh…)

Blessings to you!  You are loved!

Open Apology:

Dear Mom,

I’m sorry for exposing your lies and giving you an awesome hair color. 
I promise I won’t open my gift early…if you send it to me.  It will stay under the tree with all my other gifts.  I won’t open my birthday gift either.  It will stay closed until 12/25/2009 – promise!
Love,
Your eldest fave daughter with 5 kids