The Gift that Surprised Me: Something Stinks of Christmas—Losing Sense of Smell

Gift-giving often involves making educated guesses about someone's tastes. However, there have been times when these guesses have landed me gifts that I couldn’t wear or, in my case, couldn’t even smell. This story is a highlight of that kind of experience.

A Thoughtless Gift and the Consequences

March 2020 was a disturbing time for my family. My husband, John, came down with COVID and assumed I was just fine since I only had mild digestive and sinus issues. But our doctor didn’t believe him, and it wasn't until we managed to get tested that we got a confirmation. Unbeknownst to us, the virus had taken a toll on my sense of smell by June 2020.

My sense of smell was practically gone, except for strong odors like Clorox CleanUp and sour milk. Everything else was as scentless as… well, air. This Christmas, a thoughtless gift from my girlfriend sent me back to those days. She bought a scented candle, Christmas Wreath by Yankee Candle, which I adored in the past. The candle, however, was so scentless that the only thing I could identify was an overwhelming desire to cry. This experience taught me that gift-givers should consider the potential impact of their offers.

Perfume Allergy: A Christmas Surprise

Another memorable encounter with a unwanted gift was the large bottle of Chloe perfume. Not long ago, I had told my boyfriend, Jack, that I couldn't wear it because it caused me to sneeze uncontrollably and I suspected an allergy. He gifted me this bottle anyway, which I promptly threw into the bedroom trash can that night. The next day, my girlfriend, Alice, was excited to see the size and told me it cost several hundred dollars. I took it out, placed it in front of her, and told her it was a no-go for me because of my allergies.

The Emotions Behind the Gifts

These gifts, though not the worst, left me with a mix of emotions. I miss the scents of blueberries in season, the salt air at the beach, and the smell of fresh-baked cookies. I have to be careful with my souvenirs of these scents, like my geraniums and lantana plants, because they trigger a strong memory but also a bitter reminder of what I no longer experience. This loss of smell not only affects how I perceive the world but also my interactions with people who give me gifts, especially when they don’t consider my specific needs.

Lessons Learned

Reflecting on these experiences, a few lessons emerge. Firstly, gift-givers should consider the recipient's allergies or sensitivities. Secondly, it’s better to ask than to assume. Lastly, these experiences have made me more appreciative of the unique and meaningful gifts that truly reflect a giver's understanding of my tastes.