One year, my two elementary school-aged daughters, Malia and Kristin, decided to surprise me with a Christmas present.

"Can you believe Mom's gift cost nine whole dollars?" Malia said as they placed their offering underneath the tree.

Later that night, while tucking them into bed, Kristin said, "I still can't believe we spent that much money."

"Yeah," Malia added, "That's the most money I've ever spent."

An awkward pause followed as if they were hoping I'd give them their nine dollars back.

The following day at breakfast, Malia looked at Kristin. "Hey, do you think Mom's gift needed to be refrigerated?"

"Yikes! I think it did!"

Taking the wrapped package, they placed it in the refrigerator and slammed the door shut.

"There, that's much better," said Malia as Kristin sighed with relief.

Later that night, I noticed Malia and Kristin's gift was back under the tree. Tempted to ask for full disclosure, I decided to wait until the following day.

"Um, girls, I noticed your present was back under the tree again."

"Yeah," Malia said, "We decided it didn't need to be refrigerated."

"Oh, how nice," I said with a gulp.

Later that night, my husband entered our bedroom with a devilish grin. "I sure hope you enjoy Malia and Kristin's gift."

"Why?"

"Because it's back in the refrigerator."

A shiver rippled down my spine. I shook my head. Maybe it was time to call this whole thing off, but it was Christmas Eve. Insisting they reveal their gift seemed equal to encouraging the Grinch to steal Christmas or agreeing to not let Rudolph play in any reindeer games. Even if my life was in jeopardy, their gift had to be received.

The following day, we opened our presents. Then, Malia looked at Kristin and exclaimed, "Kristin! We forgot to give Mom her present!"

Running off, they reappeared, carrying their gift between them.

Taking their present in my hands, I opened it.

"Do you like it?" asked Malia.

"Oh my gosh, I do!" I said, studying the assortment of individually wrapped packages of cheddar, American, garlic, and caraway cheeses, along with mustards and crackers. "But the thing I like most,” I added, “is this little red label on the side that reads, 'Please refrigerate after opening.'”