I know that I am not the most observant person in the world. There have been several times when I have failed to notice important things, usually to my own detriment. I fail to notice that the ground is icy, and then I fall. I fail to notice that it is cold outside and then forget to wear a coat. But one thing I pride myself on is my attention to detail during the holidays. I always want everything to be perfect.

During the Christmas season, I go all out. I buy presents for all of my family members and have them wrapped and ready to go. I have the lights and decorations ready, and the big Christmas dinner always contains all the trimmings.

On Tuesday night, a dozen friends and family members made the trip to my house and just as the last guests arrived, I took the last pan from the oven. Everything seemed perfect.

As we sat down to open presents, I was content in the knowledge that I had a gift for everyone that I was sure they would enjoy, but I was only half right. When all the gifts had been unwrapped, several of our relatives began to inspect their presents. Everyone seemed pleased with their gifts, except for our cousin, who had a confused, but amused, expression on his face.