I Bought My MIL a $600 Dream Bag for Christmas—Then Her Actions Made Me Rethink Everything

I Bought My MIL a $600 Bag She Dreamed of for Christmas, But Her Behavior Made Me Change My Mind

Susan, Brendon’s mother-in-law, wants to take away her granddaughter’s Christmas present as soon as she sees the stack of presents beneath the tree. For what purpose? to impart to the young girl the knowledge that sometimes you can’t obtain what you desire. Brendon, not to be outdone, gives Susan a memorable Christmas lesson.

For the first time, I could finally afford to treat myself to a little more spending. Earlier that year, I had secured a new position that allowed me to relax and take advantage of the holidays.

I spent the majority of my money on presents for my daughter Eve, who is nine years old. She had been doing exceptionally well in school, lending a hand around the house without our asking, and being wonderful in every way.

She was the one who most deserved to be pampered.

However, it seems that Susan, my mother-in-law, had different ideas.

She brought some freshly baked muffins with her when she dropped by one morning, and that’s when the trouble began. She saw a stack of wrapped gifts almost burying the Christmas tree. Her face instantly transformed.

Susan crossed her arms and looked around the room. “Wow,” she exclaimed. “Looks like Santa went a little overboard this year, huh?”

Still on the high from the holiday, I smiled politely at her.

“I thought this year would be a wonderful time to do something unique. I chuckled, “Everyone, including you, has a little something under the tree.”

She raised her eyebrows.

She said, “Oh, and what about Evie?” “How many presents does my granddaughter get?”

What on earth? I pondered.

However, I was too familiar with that tone. In an attempt to avoid the altercation I sensed was about to break out, I responded lightly.

With courtesy, I replied, “About three big ones and a few smaller boxes,”

I was given whiplash by how quickly Susan’s countenance changed from interest to outrage. Her lips pursed as if I had just confessed to some unimaginable crime as she slowly shook her head.

“That’s way too much for a nine-year-old, Brendon,” she said. “She doesn’t need all of that.”

I was taken aback and blinked.

Saying, “It’s Christmas, Susan,” “We can go all out on this one day. She has worked hard throughout the year, therefore she deserves it.

Without even feigning to hear what I had to say, Susan waved me away.

She asserted that “no child needs that many gifts,” “The doll I purchased for her will be returned. She must come to terms with the fact that she won’t always get what she wants in life.

The woman before me caught my attention. I couldn’t believe it.

“Susan, you promised her that doll! For weeks, she has been anticipating it with excitement.

Susan smiled smugly, “That’s precisely why she needs to learn a lesson.” “Better she learn it now than later.”

I tried to be polite and bit my tongue.

Eve ran down the stairs before I realized it.

She said, “Good morning, Gran!” and hurried to give the elderly woman a hug.

Susan said, “Hello, darling,” while glaring at me. “Gran’s leaving now, but I’ll see you soon!”

I truly did understand the message she was attempting to impart. However, it was Christmas! Eve was nine years old.

It was about happiness, not deprivation. I didn’t see the need to discipline our daughter on the one day that should be a celebration because she wasn’t some pampered brat.

What about my wife, Melanie?

She advised me to move on.

“My mother’s gift is hers to decide what to do with,” she shrugged later that evening while preparing grilled fish for supper. “Anyway, it’s just a doll. Is Evie going to miss it?

It was too much for me, even though I knew my wife had grown up with her mother’s toxic behavior and likely didn’t want to cause trouble.

Susan was taking away the gift our daughter was counting on in order to make a point.

I made the decision at that point that I could play petty games better if Susan was going to do so.

You see, I had purchased a high-end purse for Susan that year. It was the only topic she had discussed for months.

She stated, “I was with Cora from the club,” “And I noticed it in the store display while we were strolling through the mall. It’s so stylish and lovely. I must obtain it.

She virtually salivated over it, hinting at it whenever she could.

I also purchased it for her.

It was really pricey—six hundred dollars, to be precise. I reasoned that it would help me gain favor, and to be honest, even though she was troublesome, I like the thought of pleasing her.

Now, though?

I had different plans now.

I gently wrapped a $40 robe inside the elegant bag after removing it from its packaging. It was an uninteresting gray object devoid of any patterns. It was, to be honest, the sort of last-minute gift you might grab in a hurry from the clearance bin.

I carefully rewrapped the box, making sure the packaging was immaculate.

Melanie chuckled and said, “You’re putting way too much effort into this, honey,”

“She needs to be taught a lesson, Mel,” I remarked. “Your mother messed with the wrong man.”

Christmas morning came, and the living room buzzed with excitement as everyone opened their presents. When my daughter saw all of her presents, she burst out laughing and started going through everything.

Melanie grinned as she opened the warm scarf and shoes I had chosen for her.

Then it was Susan’s time.

When she noticed the iconic gold box of the designer purse, her eyes glowed. Grinning, she ripped off the wrapping paper and clasped her hands together.

“Oh, you shouldn’t have!” she said, her enthusiasm evident in her voice.

I watched with the slightest smile as I leaned back. Her smile wavered when she removed the box’s lid.

The ecstatic exhilaration was vanished. Rather, it was replaced by utter perplexity.

Next, shock.

And lastly, disappointment.

Susan’s hands were shaking as she held the robe up after taking it out of the package.

“What is this, exactly? Melanie? Her question was, “Brendon?”

I smiled my best naive smile at her.

I answered, “It’s a robe,” “I believed you would enjoy it. Isn’t that practical?

She opened and closed her mouth several times, but nothing came out. Her face went white as she glanced between the robe and the opulent-looking box.

She whispered, “Is this really my gift?”

I tried not to giggle as I nodded.

If it’s not what you were hoping for, I apologize. However, Susan, I learned a valuable lesson from you the other day. People don’t always receive the gifts they desire, you informed me. Isn’t that an excellent lesson then?

I swear I saw Susan’s eye twitch as her jaw tightened. My wife gave me a glance that made my skin melt. I didn’t care, though.

I had gotten my message across. My daughter was also content.

Melanie beckoned everyone to the table and urged, “Come on,” “The Christmas feast is ready to go!”

When we were all full from the supper later that afternoon, Susan drew me aside.

Her voice was low and frantic as she said, “You bought the bag, didn’t you?”

I arched an eyebrow.

I questioned, “What makes you say that?”

Hersing, “Don’t play dumb with me, Brendon,” “You bought it, I know that. “Where is it?”

I shrugged casually and crossed my arms.

“Sold it,” I said. “If you wouldn’t spoil my daughter, why would I spoil you?”

Her eyes went wide with shock.

“You’re telling lies. She said, “You didn’t sell it.”

“Susan, believe what you want,” I said. “But you made it obvious, sometimes people don’t get the things they ask for. Seems only fair, don’t you think?”

Susan’s face contorted once more, and I briefly feared she may blow up. Rather, she exhaled sharply, obviously attempting to control herself.

“I’ve been nothing but generous to you,” she said in a furious whisper.

“Really? Because it doesn’t seem very kind to me to take back a gift that your granddaughter promised.”

There was nothing she could do about it. She just stood there, lips pressed into a thin line, her anger simmering beneath the surface.

To say Susan was furious for the rest of the day would be an understatement. My wife gave me the cold shoulder too, but really, I didn’t care.

She said, “You wounded my mom, Brendon.” “You embarrassed her and you hurt her.”

“So what?” I inquired. “That trick she pulled hurt me, Mel. Consider this: she denied Eve something she truly desired. And before I obtained my new job, she had already received it. What if I hadn’t been able to buy Evie any Christmas presents? The day would have been saved by the doll.

“I don’t understand why you’re so hung up on it,” Mel replied. “Eve didn’t even see the doll, it’s a different case if Mom took it straight from her hands.”

“You just don’t get it, do you?” I inquired.

“No, I don’t. “I honestly don’t,” she remarked.

Look, things between Susan and Melanie are still very tight. For me, though, it’s not a huge concern. What matters most is that my daughter had a memorable Christmas. Additionally, I had demonstrated to Susan that her actions are unacceptable.

Susan left at the end of the evening without saying goodbye. On the couch, the robe was left unattended.

Christmas, according to some, is a time for forgiveness. About spreading happiness and showing compassion. However, Christmas may also be a time to ensure that people learn their lessons.

even if it involves a little dirty play.

The manner my mother-in-law handled my daughter made her unworthy of the $600 bag. And she’s in for another surprise if she believes she can continue to play small power games in my home.

Susan, have a wonderful Christmas.

How would you have responded?