Today’s special guest is Robin L. Rotham. Robin writes hot and spicy tales for Ellora’s Cave and is the author of one of my favorite sci-fi erotic romances, Alien Overnight.
Robin’s post is about the best Christmas present she’s ever received. She’s also giving away a signed print copy of Alien Overnight. All you need to do to go into the draw is post a comment. (The winner’s name will be announced in the comments section the following day so don’t forget to check back to see if you’re the winner.)
The Best Christmas Present
When I was growing up, we always went to my grandparents’ for Christmas. Both sets lived in the same small town about fifty miles from where we lived, so we’d spend Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with my mother’s parents, and the next night with my father’s parents.
On Christmas Eve, my sister and I would lie awake upstairs for hours, listening for those telltale noises — my sister was listening for hooves on the roof, while I was listening for sounds of an imminent explosion from the old gas wall heater. She always fell asleep first, while I lay there keeping a watchful eye on that blue flame that showed through the pilot light hole and preparing to leap from the bed at the least sign of trouble.
Then I’d wake the next morning and, lo and behold, I was still alive! And it was Christmas Day! Barely able to breathe, my sister and I would sneak down the creaky old wood stairs and peer around the heavy mirrored door at the bottom. Of course, Santa had come — the tree was lit and there were veritable MOUNTAINS of presents waiting for us. Our grandparents slept with their bedroom door open, so we had to pantomime our rapture before tiptoeing into the nice, warm living room. We’d give the glittering pile of presents a few yearning glances on our way to the fireplace, where our stockings were hung from the shiny brass andirons. Then we’d pull them loose and slip quietly back upstairs, where our mother was sleeping. No matter how early it was, we’d wake her because she always wanted to watch us open our stockings.
After that initial burst of excitement passed, we had to suffer through breakfast — the one day of the year I’d gladly have skipped it, LOL! The dining and living rooms weren’t separated by a door, so we were tortured for what seemed like HOURS by that pile of gaily wrapped gifts. We’d wolf down our food and then tap our toes while Mom and the grands had a leisurely second cup of coffee and another cinnamon roll…and maybe a third cup of coffee.
The anticipation was incredible, and when we were very young, the payoff was usually worth every bit of the wait. As the years passed, of course, the anticipation dwindled as reality set it. There was no Santa, and those presents cost someone money. I was keenly aware of how hard my mother worked to keep food on the table, so while I appreciated the presents from her, my appreciation was tinged with worry and guilt.
When I was a sophomore, I got a job and, for the first time, felt the thrill of buying gifts for others. From then on, the anticipation of Christmas lay in choosing presents for others, rather than wondering what I was going to get. And once I had kids, the cycle began again, with me planning that magical morning for them every year. I rarely received a gift that I really wanted or needed, and frankly, I didn’t expect to. Christmas for adults was more about the spiritual aspect of the season, and that was fine with me.
But in the year 2000, the UPS man roared up in front of our house right before Christmas and heaved a couple of huge boxes into the mud room. I was puzzled — I wasn’t expecting anything (besides a baby, which he couldn’t possibly deliver) but the boxes were definitely addressed to me. They were from my mom. And on the outside of the boxes were big red letters that said Compaq…
I tried not to get excited. I really did. Surely it wasn’t really what I thought it was. Was it?
I picked up the phone and called Mom. “Did you send me something?”
Yes, she had.
“It says Compaq on the box,” I told her tentatively.
“Well I hope so. That’s what it’s supposed to say.”
That’s when I really started shaking. She’d sent me a computer — my very first computer. I’d wanted one for a long time because I’d always had this dream of becoming a writer, but… Well, back then they cost a fortune. The one she sent cost over two grand before extras like the extended warranty, etc. With two young kids and a third on the way, there was no way I could justify asking my hard-working farmer — or anyone else, for that matter — to buy me one.
Leave it to my mother. She’d inherited a little money from her own mother a couple of years before and wanted to do something really nice for me, to give me something she knew I wanted and needed, while she could afford it. Boy, did she ever! And though I never wrote a book on that computer, I did write poetry on it, and I joined a writers’ group on it. I also did Mr. Robin’s farm books on it because it came equipped with Quicken, so he finally began to view a computer as a necessity. We haven’t been without one since.
Of all the Christmas presents I received over the years, that was the most exciting, the one that made me want to jump up and down and scream. I don’t know that I’d be writing now if Mom hadn’t given me that loving and extravagant push.
What about you all? Have you ever gotten an unexpected present that made you lose your mind with joy? What was it?
You can visit Robin at her website or pop over to her blog to say hello.
Related posts:
Hi Robin:
That’s sweet. I too, remember how excited I was to be able to give presents to my family. When we were young my parents started out giving us a five dollar a month allowance and added one dollar per year up until I hit eleven. By then they could no longer afford to give us allowances. Anyhow, I’d spend hours looking for just the right gift for each person.
Fortunately for me, I learned about the importance of banking early. My parents set up a back account for me with a couple of twenty-five dollar bonds and when I started babysitting at the age of twelve, I’d buy my own school clothes, pay for my own entertainment and bank the rest away for Christmas time.
Now at the age of forty-two…I no longer celebrate Christmas, but I still enjoy things about it like the smells, the food and driving around to look at the holiday lights on houses. *g*
As far as the most unexpected and the best Christmas I ever had…it had to be the year when I received a little record player, a Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas record and a compilation of Christmas songs on record which included my favorite song, The Little Drummer Boy. Later that morning she gave me all her old 45s which included original Beach Boys, Elvis, Olivia Newton John, Jackson Fives, Melanie and so many more. I couldn’t stand it…I played that record player all day and into the night and continued to play it until it died. The funny thing was that record player was so cheap it was made out of olive green plastic and weighed about three or four pounds. LOL
by Ayreann December 19th, 2007 at 5:35 amYour mother sounds like a wonderful person, Robin!
by Estella December 19th, 2007 at 6:01 amI was surprised by a 10th anniversary/Christmas present by my husband and grown children
A birthstone ring(yellow topaz) with two diamonds, one on either side of the birthstone.
There was also a guard ring with the childrens birthstones in it.
This is a great post, Robin. Such a gift – your mother’s belief in you – and it turned into a gift for all of us, too!
I think my favorite and most special gifts have been the same thing from three different people: airfare so I could travel home for Christmas. I’ve received that precious gift when I couldn’t afford it myself from the woman for whom I used to be a nanny (to her daughter), from my best friend, and from my brother-in-law. How my heart burst with joy when I opened those miracles.
by julia December 19th, 2007 at 6:25 amRobin I didn’t know this story, how beautiful!! Your first computer and your tool for writing those delicious novels now . . . that’s a day to mark on the calendar.
by Red December 19th, 2007 at 6:40 amOkay, that story made me cry. I know how much that means to both of you. Her to be able to give it to you. And you to be able to receive it.
by Jennifer McKenzie December 19th, 2007 at 7:06 amHow awesome.
Thank you, Robin. I needed that for some Christmas spirit.
Now, I WANT THAT BOOK!!! Gimme Gimme Gimme! Oh sorry. I’ve been hanging out with my kids too much. LOL.
Merry Christmas Robin AND Shelley.
That is such a heartwarming story, Robin. I can’t really say I got a Christmas gift that’s a memorable as that. I remember little things through high school when my parents got me a Cabbage Patch Preemie. I’ve gotten pug gifts from friends and the children I teach that I treasure. I love everything about Christmas and often I’m the one that gives the memorable gifts!!
by Laura K December 19th, 2007 at 7:20 amAhh, that’s a fantastic story!
I can’t imagine a time, no matter how old, that I won’t want to celebrate Christmas.
Probably the best gift I ever got was when I was younger and my parents took my brother and I to the Bahama’s for Christmas. No gifts, just a great trip and memories of my family getting sunburns on Christmas Day.
Good times.
Now I’m off to check out the story behind that cover. Yowza.
by RD Solange December 19th, 2007 at 7:43 amI always try to remember growing up poor, with a mom working in a cotton mill, and how others helped me so much during this time of year, and give back because i know to this day I will never forget how generous others were to me
by Tina brunelle December 19th, 2007 at 7:56 amthe most memorable xmas present iI received is actually two both from my hubby. in 1984 he gave me an engagement ring for Christmas and then in 2006 he upgraded it for a new one just in time for 20th anniversary in May.
by Pamk December 19th, 2007 at 10:25 amRobin you can tell your mom thanks for that present from us. Cause I am so glad you got to be a writer Alien overnight is one of my favorite scifi books too.
what a great story. Sounds like your mom really knew what you wanted.
My best Christmas present (or at least one of the best) was my first Christmas with my guy. It was very special just being together. But the most joy I get is in finding gifts for him that I know he will enjoy but never expect. That is the most fun.
by Larena Wirum December 19th, 2007 at 11:02 amWhat a beautiful story, Robin. It brought tears to my eyes.
I can’t really remember a present that truly changed my world like that. Every Christmas is special. I remember the thrill of waking up Christmas Eve night and listening hard for the sound of sleigh bells. Of creeping out to the living room and seeing the street lights illuminating the snow outside and the presents under the tree. And then scampering back to bed just in case Santa was still there. LOL
Santa always left our stockings at the end of our beds and we opened them as soon as we woke. I think my parents appreciated the few extra minutes of sleep Christmas morning. *g*
by N.J. Walters December 19th, 2007 at 11:49 amWhat a wonderful post and what a wonderful mom. I think this year is going to be my favorite Christmas. My son is three and he is so excited. We got him something he is going to LOVE and I can’t wait to see his face when he opens it.
by Jambrea December 19th, 2007 at 11:50 am
Awww sounds like something my mom would do! I remember one year she and my Best Friend Sarah’s mom took 2 TV boxes and like nestled smaller pages in it. So there was about 12 little gifts. Like T shirts, Keychains, Dolls etc and the last was an envelope with Macdonald’s coupons and the last coupon was torn out an there was a ticket for each of us to see the New Kids on New Years eve. We were so jazzed. Hey it was the early 90’s I had big hair LOL It was sooo cool at the time!
by Jaycee December 19th, 2007 at 12:05 pmHi Robin! The present that made me jump up and down with joy would have to be this beautiful limited edition dragon/wizard figurine that plays Beautiful Dreamer when you wind up the knob. Hope thats what you meant. Happy Holidays and I’m really looking forward to trying your book.
by caitlin hoy December 19th, 2007 at 12:15 pmCaitlin
Robin!! You’re alive! Funny, I was thinking about you earlier today…
The best surprise I got was pyjama bottoms. No, really! I told The Man I wanted blue plaid flannel pyjamas. Easy to come by in December, not so much around my birthday, months earlier. He went to every store in town and finally found a pair in a men’s store. They were extra large; I’m a small. He took the XL bottoms and a pair of my pants to a local tailor and had them sized down for me.
They fit perfectly.
by Seeley deBorn December 19th, 2007 at 12:29 pmThat’s such a great story, Robin. I’m so glad you received your computer because you’ve written some wonderful stories for us all.
I remember waking up on Christmas morning and finding our stockings. We actually had pillowcases
I was a booklover even way back then and Santa knew how much I liked salted peanuts. My brother, sister and I would get up really early, get the loot from our stockings and then I’d head back to bed. I have great memories of reading a Doctor Doolittle book in bed and eating peanuts on Christmas morning.
by Shelley Munro December 19th, 2007 at 12:34 pmI also love Christmas as I have fond childhood memories with my family. Now I am so glad I have my little boy so he can experience the special family gatherings as well. Have a terrific holiday season y’all!
by Mary Ann Williams December 19th, 2007 at 12:41 pmI’m here! Sorry it took me so long — I had to get that last-minute shopping in and then I had a funeral to go to. And THEN my keyboard would work for some reason! And NOW I have to go get the kids from school and pick up our free spiral-sliced ham and two humongous pork loins from the Tyson plant. Mmm-mmm! I’ll respond to your messages when I get back!
by Robin L. Rotham December 19th, 2007 at 2:04 pmThat’s so sweet. Moms are the best. My cousin paid for my ticket to Amsterdam when I wasn’t working. She took me with her for Christmas so I wouldn’t be alone.
by Jane December 19th, 2007 at 2:38 pmOh, Ayreann, I also got a little record player when I was about ten. I had two 45’s that I played holes in — Simon & Garfunkel’s Scarborough Fair/I Am A Rock and the Carpenters’ Mr. Postman. You can hardly go wrong giving the gift of music!
Estella, my birthstone is yellow topaz, too!
Oh Julia, that was a wonderful gift!
You know it, Red! I really don’t think I would ever have attempted a book without a computer — I just don’t have the patience for longhand.
You know, Jenn, when I started writing this post, I had absolutely no idea where I was going with it. I think I needed it, too, though. Mom had her problems, but she always loved me and believed in me, no matter what. As for Enemy Overnight — I’m workin’, I’m workin’! :D
You know, Laura, I really think some people just have a knack for finding the perfect gifts — and the rest of us just include the receipt so the recipient can return it for something they really want, LOL!
by Robin L. Rotham December 19th, 2007 at 3:39 pmLet’s see if I can avoid starting another comment with “You know…”
RD, I would absolutely DIE of joy if someone gave me a trip to some tropical locale for Christmas. (sigh) And there’s quite a naughty little story behind that cover, LOL!
Tina, that’s awesome that people came through for your family. The Christmas spirit can be an amazing thing.
Thank you, Pam! And thanks for the idea for our twentieth. :D Now if I can just remember it in eight years…
Larena, Mr. Robin is SO hard to buy for! I think the only thing I ever got him that he truly enjoys and uses regularly is his leather jacket.
Ooh, the foot of the bed — that’s a good idea, NJ! But I don’t think my kids would go for it. Well, the older two would, but not the 6yo. She still lives to show me everything and I want to enjoy that before the hits the teen years and goes all secretive with me.
Three is a great age, Jambrea — well, as far as Christmas glee. ;)
by Robin L. Rotham December 19th, 2007 at 3:54 pmSounds like your mom knew what was fun, Jaycee. Concert tickets worked for me, too.
Caitlin, I would have jumped up and down about that one, too. I love music boxes of all kinds. I had one once that played “Sunrise, Sunset” from Fiddler On the Roof and played it every day until it broke.
Seeley, that’s amazing! I can’t see Mr. Robin ever doing anything like that — he’s far too practical.
That’s a great story, too, Shelley, one I can definitely relate to. So…why pillowcases?
You know, Mary Ann (there I go again!), we had such a small family, Christmas was very quiet and intimate. My mother was an only child and my dad had only one sister, who never married or had kids, which meant we had NO cousins. When I married Mr. Robin, I learned what a family gathering really was, LOL! He’s one of five kids, and each of his parents were one of five, so holidays are CRAZY — but fun.
Now THAT’S my kind of cousin, Jane!
by Robin L. Rotham December 19th, 2007 at 4:08 pmWell unless Doug (my guy) mentions a specific tool I am not to buy him any of those as he is very picky about them. But he loves gadates and I found a great site that really helps with that aspect.
Makes things a little easier.
by Larena Wirum December 19th, 2007 at 4:15 pmRobin, I can’t resist a comment.
The computer was a wonderful thing, but the true blessing is in your relationship with your mother. How delightful. I got all teary. *sniffle*
The very best to you and your mum and all the family for Christmas and New Year.
Denise
by Denise Rossetti December 19th, 2007 at 4:35 pmI have to second the comment about men being difficult to buy gifts for. My hubby is really bad. Usually we’ll end up buying something that we both want. It’s easier although the surprise factor is missing.
Seeley – sounds like your hubby went to a lot of trouble with those pajamas. Not many men would do that!
Robin – pillowcases? I’ve no idea. That’s just what we always used. It didn’t seem to matter to Santa
by Shelley Munro December 19th, 2007 at 4:54 pmLots of great Christmas stories here. I’m really enjoying reading them all. Family is the best.
by Shelley Munro December 19th, 2007 at 4:55 pmYeah, Larena — trying to buy Mr. Robin tools would be like him trying to buy me clothes or jewelry.
And would you believe, Denise, that Mom thinks she was a horrible mother? Sure, she had problems — major ones — but I never doubted for even a split-second that she loved my sister and me more than life itself. Her emotional problems make her hard to be around for more than a couple of days at a time, but nobody’s perfect. I can honestly say, I don’t know anyone funnier, more intelligent, or more giving than Mom.
Shelley, I like family traditions that are different from what the rest of the world does. Pillowcases sound awesome — they sure hold a lot more than our little stockings did!
I forgot to add my own wishes for a safe and happy holiday season for all of you!
by Robin L. Rotham December 19th, 2007 at 6:19 pmLovely story, Robin. As usual!
I grew up really, really poor, so presents, if they came, were always exciting. I remember when I was eight and I opened my present to discover a Strawberry Shortcake doll. I have very few memories as happy as that one, actually.
by Lillian Feisty December 19th, 2007 at 6:46 pmThanks for sharing Robin. I remember when I was a child wanting a Barbie Town House for Christmas. I remembered tring to be extra good to earn it so Santa could bring it because it was an expensive item and required extra goodness.
I was so thrilled on Christmas Day when I saw it.
by Cherie J December 19th, 2007 at 7:05 pm“RD, I would absolutely DIE of joy if someone gave me a trip to some tropical locale for Christmas. (sigh) And there’s quite a naughty little story behind that cover, LOL!”
TEASE!
What’s the story???
by RD Solange December 19th, 2007 at 7:06 pmWonderful Christmas memories Robin!!! :D My Laptop (not from my mom but Hubby) was one of my best presents … for the same thing the dream of being a writer. :D
by Amy Ruttan December 19th, 2007 at 7:08 pmWhat a wonderful gift your mom gave you! My laptop from my hubby was one of my best presents too. That and the first Christmas card my daughters ever made for me. They were better than anything.
by Christine d'Abo December 19th, 2007 at 7:44 pmYou know, Lil, you kind of remind me of Strawberry Shortcake. A very kinky, tattooed Strawberry Shortcake…
RD, you said you were off to check out the story behind the cover. I just wanted you to know it was a dirty one, LOL! (In case the cover hadn’t clued you in.)
Amy and Christine, isn’t it amazing (and kind of frightening!) how much we love our laptops? Once upon a time, Mr. Robin and I discussed the things we would grab if the house caught fire (after the kids) and we agreed the first thing would be the cash stash. Now he’s in charge of the cash, ’cause no way in hell am I leaving this computer behind!
by Robin L. Rotham December 19th, 2007 at 8:27 pmCherie, I never let myself hope for anything that big. Even as a child, I was always one of those who’d rather have low expectations and be pleasantly surprised than have high hopes and be disappointed. I never handled disappointment well.
by Robin L. Rotham December 19th, 2007 at 8:38 pmIts been too long since I read an Alien story and this sounds great Robin!! I was getting goosebumps reading your story!
I loved my Christmas Eve at my grandmother’s house. All day Christmas eve, I’d stay with her cleaning and helping her cook. One year, my grandmother had me go out and serve food and drinks instead of letting me stay in the kitchen with her because I had a hard time communicating with anyone (deaf) and preferred not to mingle. Well people were trying to commmunicate with me and it wasn’t working so my grandmother brings out a notebook and pen and told them they had to write and I was finally learning everyone’s name! And I started feeling like I belonged. Oh i loved those special times with my grandmother but she told me she wanted me to learn who everyone was and I finally was excited to know who they a ll were.
by Cathie December 19th, 2007 at 9:09 pmGreat story, Robin! Your mom was so sweet and thoughtful.
I can’t say I remember any presents that really wow me. Back in the days, we were a low income family, and we never celebrated Christmas nor receive any presents.
by Amelia December 19th, 2007 at 9:38 pmCathie, I’m glad your grandmother was wise enough to get you out there mixing and mingling. Isn’t it amazing how knowing someone’s name makes all the difference in how you perceive them? Once you know people’s names, they’re not strangers anymore.
Of course, when I married Mr. Robin, I inherited his HUMONGOUS extended family all at once, and even now, twelve years later, I still have difficulty remembering some their names. God forbid I should run into one of them at Wal-Mart!
by Robin L. Rotham December 19th, 2007 at 9:45 pmLOL! Ohhhhh… I thought you were going to tell me about the photoshoot and … um.
Yes, bought the book this morning. I’m a big fan of dirty. ;)
by RD Solange December 19th, 2007 at 9:57 pmThat’s interesting, Amelia. Did you know and resent that other kids did Christmas? Or were you like me, living in housing projects and surrounded by a million kids in the same boat? I didn’t really even realize we were poor until Mom moved us to a “better” neighborhood where I didn’t fit in. If it werent for my grandparents, we wouldn’t have had any presents, either — although I can honestly see my mother turning a few tricks if it was the only way to put something under the tree for us. And that would have ended badly because she had the God’s-honest worst luck and she would probably have been arrested on her very first attempt, so I’m glad it didn’t come down to that.
by Robin L. Rotham December 19th, 2007 at 10:04 pmROFL, RD!!! While I’d love to take credit for that cover — hell, I’d love it if that were ME on the cover, assuming I looked like that — it’s one of EC’s stock Quickie covers. All I did was pick it out, and really there was no contest — that one is perfectly representative of the story.
by Robin L. Rotham December 19th, 2007 at 10:08 pm*giggling* Ok, well, I’ll just make up my own little story in my head about the cover.
by RD Solange December 19th, 2007 at 10:44 pmToday’s winner is Ayreann.
I need you to email me at shelley munro @ gmail .com (no spaces) with your full name and address so I can organize your prize.
Congratulations!!
by Shelley Munro December 20th, 2007 at 11:11 amThanks Robin. Can’t wait to read “Alien Overnight.”
Thanks Shelley. Emailing you momentarily.
by Ayreann December 20th, 2007 at 4:11 pm