We all know it's better to give than to receive ... but hey, receiving is still pretty sweet.

It's strange how my concept of receiving gifts has evolved as I've gotten older. When you're a kid, there's nothing worse than getting socks or a sweater as a gift.

I knew from an early age that I would only get a certain number of gifts -- say a half-dozen or so. Any clothes or school supplies were, as far as I was concerned, taking up some of my precious gift "slots" that were supposed to be reserved for toys. "Instead of a Red Ryder BB gun, I got socks."

(Unlike Ralphie's parents, mine never broke down and got me the BB gun. On the plus side, I do still have both my eyes. I finally bought it myself when I turned 18. I think it's rusting away in my basement somewhere.)

Now I don't mind getting socks. In fact, I like it. "Yes! Socks! I needed these!" I'm still not wild about sweaters, but I appreciate that someone took the time and thought to pick one out for me.

Time goes by, I guess...

I'm getting married next spring, and hopefully kids will follow. I can't wait to wrap up some socks for them, knowing they'll complain, but wear them, and one day come to appreciate them.