The Funniest Christmas Gifts: Behind the Jokes and Surprises

Christmas is a time for magic, joy, and, often, utter delight - sometimes in the form of hilarious and unexpected presents. Looking back, I can't help but giggle at some of the funny and peculiar Christmas gifts I've received over the years. Here are some of the most memorable, and as expected, some of the funniest presents that can make anyone laugh even on the coldest of winter nights.

A Toy Brick Century

Let's start with a well-known gift that has stood the test of time: the Lego brick. In 2000, the British Association of Toy Retailers crowned the Lego brick as the "Toy of the Century." Fast forward to 2018, and Lego had sold an astounding 75 billion bricks across 140 countries. It's safe to say that Lego has definitely stood the test of time and remains a symbol of creativity and innovation. But hilarity can be found in the most unexpected places, and this brings us to our next story.

Gift Wrapping Gone Wrong

One of the funniest Christmas gifts I ever received was a pair of shoes. I had asked my parents for a crystal ball, but they gave me a less high-tech alternative: a glass ball used to hold up the tops of fishing nets. My father made a wooden base to stabilize it, but sadly, my seven-year-old self didn't see anything in it. Despite the disappointment, the thought of a crystal ball was enough to make the gift memorable.

The Boxceptional Gift

Then there was a time when my son conspired with his brother to give me the most creative present. It involved multiple levels of wrapping. Imagine building a tower of presents, each one containing another in turn, making it a six-level boxception. Little did they know, the surprise would be just as amusing for us!

Secret Santas with Curious Picks

My company's Secret Santa tradition is legendary for its absurdity. Colleagues often receive unusual items like condoms, pornographic books, Vaseline, Viagra, a walking stick, and an Afro wig. Similarly, I've sent back just as bizarre packages. The key to a good Secret Santa gift seems to be the element of surprise and the unexpected. Here's a prime example:

A Nagging Discovery

In 1986, when I was 16, my parents first presented me with a Nintendo system for Christmas. Initially thrilled, curiosity got the better of me and my sister, and we snooped around in my closet. What we found made Christmas even more memorable - a Nintendo system along with a condom, smuggled inside. My dad later revealed that this was a humorous response to our nosiness. The not-so-subtle message wasn't lost on anyone, and we had a good laugh over it.

As we look back at these memorable and sometimes bewildering presents, it's clear that the funniest Christmas gifts are often the most unexpected. Whether it's a Lego brick, a glass fishing ball, or a condom wrapped in layers of Christmas paper, these gifts remind us that sometimes, the most hilarious moments come when we least expect them. So, here's to all those unforgettable and sometimes bewildering presents that made Christmas truly memorable.