Not an Xmas gift, but when I was 11, I had a paper route, and had had it several months. I hadn’t been charging my parents for the paper. I decided to make it official, and when I got my new book of receipts for Jan-June, 1979, I put one of them in an envelop, and tied a ribbon around it. When my parents gave my brother and me out Hanukkah gelt, I gave them what I thought was a really cool gift-- six months of free papers. Basically I absorbed the cost (which was worth about $35 in 1979 money).
They didn’t “Oooh” and “Aaah” over it as much as I expected, but partly that was just because they weren’t expecting a gift from me at all.
Later, though, when I was in high school, and I’d given up the route, my mother did comment that she missed not having to pay for the paper.
I’m still proud of doing that, even if it didn’t have the effect I expected. It was original, and I thought of it all on my own, and produced it all on my own.
MF experience you ever had doing volunteer work or giving to charity.
Not “duh”-- some of us hate pumpkin pie. My mother always made a blueberry or cherry pie in addition, and my grandmother would bring apple strudel. Now I make blueberry and cherry strudel.
Sorcerer.
MF occasion of celebrating Thanksgiving that you can remember.
When I was ten or so, in the house in which I grew up, with my grandparents, parents and sisters all gathered 'round. Great company and even better food. A very happy day.
Other than loosen your belt or watch the game, MF thing to do after your T’giving feast?
Ooo, so many. Off the top of my head… when Dany burns down the meeting hall with all of the Dothraki warlords in it, and is the only one to walk out alive.
Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” would take first place, though “Captain Fantastic” and Klaatu’s “3:47 EST” are in close contention for second place.
Favorite Genesis album cover art?