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!
2) It doesn't matter if she loves to sing. Side note, for a long time I believed people either knew how to sing or not. However, I learned that even some bad singers can learn how to carry a tune via a good teacher and training. It was a nice surprise.
Took me a minute to get to this story but I'm glad I did. Nice work as always!
Man, I'm sorry I didn't get to read this around Christmas. So often I'm struck by the effortless and sincere quality of your writing. I absolutely loved this.
Well... it read effortless. I can appreciate the amount of work that usually takes. For what it's worth, I often imagine I'm reading your pieces in some literary magazine. One day, I will be.
I really enjoyed this story. Answers: I think they should’ve split the difference and withheld it until after all the gifts were open, made them like go eat or whatever, then given it. Best of both maybe? -discipline and joy of receiving the thing.
Aaaaand no — probably never got better at singing lol
Not through it yet, but stopping by so say how much I loved this line (and whole paragraph)
"but somehow her adjudications seemed particularly transgressive when directed toward me: Why is your face like that? Did you comb your own hair? You should wear different shoes."
Likewise mate, hope you're having some relaxation, downtime and celebration. Here's to 2025.
Really enjoyed the story, btw. Pretty rough losing the gift there, but the impact was strong (both in terms of me reading, and in imagining for what it did to the narrator).
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
Bookclub question
2) It doesn't matter if she loves to sing. Side note, for a long time I believed people either knew how to sing or not. However, I learned that even some bad singers can learn how to carry a tune via a good teacher and training. It was a nice surprise.
Took me a minute to get to this story but I'm glad I did. Nice work as always!
I thought that about singers too Nick! thanks for reading.
This is beautifully written. I like how you captured one of the year's happiest times through this melancholic lense.
what a great compliment. thanks for reading Maroun! I’m glad some enjoyed its grinch-like spirit
Man, I'm sorry I didn't get to read this around Christmas. So often I'm struck by the effortless and sincere quality of your writing. I absolutely loved this.
Thanks Ken. I was worried it was too scrooge-y. If only it was effortless!
Well... it read effortless. I can appreciate the amount of work that usually takes. For what it's worth, I often imagine I'm reading your pieces in some literary magazine. One day, I will be.
that’s so nice to hear…but I never submit!
Clancy-- You should!
I really enjoyed this story. Answers: I think they should’ve split the difference and withheld it until after all the gifts were open, made them like go eat or whatever, then given it. Best of both maybe? -discipline and joy of receiving the thing.
Aaaaand no — probably never got better at singing lol
Thanks Keith. Really enjoying you combing through my stories! I like your solution to the RockBand game. Haven't thought of that and def makes sense.
Not through it yet, but stopping by so say how much I loved this line (and whole paragraph)
"but somehow her adjudications seemed particularly transgressive when directed toward me: Why is your face like that? Did you comb your own hair? You should wear different shoes."
haha thanks nathan i love that too. hope you’re having a happy holiday season
Likewise mate, hope you're having some relaxation, downtime and celebration. Here's to 2025.
Really enjoyed the story, btw. Pretty rough losing the gift there, but the impact was strong (both in terms of me reading, and in imagining for what it did to the narrator).
Good story.
Thanks Andrew !
Love the way you wrap it at the end. Or unwrap it. Whatever. Merry Christmas!
haha thanks Jonathan!
A lively story! It lifted my mood! 🙂
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.
Thank you for reading, Ek!