The Christmas Shirt

Favorite stories emerge and are enjoyed once more this time of year.
This is one of mine.

One of our daughters was dating one of Washington's Most Eligible Bachelors and invited him to join us for Christmas Eve gathering. This is the evening we, as a large family, exchange gifts.
She gave me advice about what I could get for her friend, as it was very important to her that I not embarrass her. She asked me to please not even think about a sweater or shirt as he wore only designer brands. " Oh, ok, thanks for the tip."

REALLY? I thought. She was so set up...this was going to be fun...

Of course, going shopping for the most inexpensive shirt was a challenge. Finally, came across a flannel marked 50% off on an already marked down, bring the total to $1.95. Selecting the worst of the bunch was fun. This was PERFECT.

Now, needed a box worthy of this prize. KMart doesn't have boxes with their name on it, but they did have a plain box of cardboard. There just so happened to be a visible straight pen in the collar and tucking the price tag just under the sleeve, we were ready with just the perfect gift.
A little tissue paper, and thin paper wrapping and bow from a bought bag, I was thrilled!

Naturally, there was another little gift for him...but this one brought highly anticipated happiness to the evening. EVERYONE was in on it as well as her friend. The daughter was the only one in the dark.

Gifts were opened one at a time and finally it was time for the Christmas Shirt which still is highly used and named "Casey's Shirt."

Casey opened the box as Molly looked on...she swished her long strawberry blond hair over her shoulder as she peered towards the shirt.
"OH!" he said.
"I hope you don't have one like it," I said.
"No, actually, I don't," he replied in good spirit.
Molly reached and rubbed the shirt and didn't know what to say...
He lifted it and the price tag fell in view.
All eyes were on a mortified Molly......Everyone commented what a warm shirt it will be for him to wear when he is in the country and what a neat color.
Molly was still staring.
Then we couldn't hold back...
Laughter filled the room...Molly looked at Casey who was laughing with us?
It was a fun, fun evening that lived forever in my memories of Christmas.

The shirt is requested by name, "Casey's Shirt" and hangs in my coat closet for anyone who needs another layer of warmth while here.
Molly and Casey were married the following year.
Now our Christmases are all about and for the grandchildren.