Merry Christmas--it's me!

[alli_wan]

My husband thinks it's strange, though, and a little PA because she "can't come right out and ask us to put a photo of her on our wall."

I plan to put up the photo, but I was wondering whether that's a strange Christmas gift.

Considering that anyone asking advice about being hurt that their relatives refused to display their picture in their house would be advised to send a picture of themselves in a nice frame as a gift and polite hint, I don't see this as strange.

Using the same photo on a card might be a bit much, and perhaps you would prefer to think of MIL as a grandmother and not as the vibrant, glamourous woman she imagines hereself to be (realistically or otherwise), but I really don't see this as all that strange, especially in a woman trying to find her identity after losing her husband.

If she shows up with a new jobless boyfriend with a record of felonies, it's time to worry.

[Heavenly]

This is Glamour Shots:  http://www.glamourshots.com/

I was surprised to see there is an actual place called glamour shots--we always just go to the local photographer and request a "glamour" shot.  LOL

However...thank you for the link.  I just hiccupped my truffle while looking through the gallery.  You all must check out the b/w of the dog with the blue boa.  LOLOLOL

[ZipTheWonder]

Lots of folks use photographs for Christmas cards.  Lots of folks give photos as gifts.  But, they're generally portraits, not 'glamour shots' with teased hair, lots of make-up, saucy expression, and an off-the-shoulder top or wrap.  Not the sort of thing that says either "Christmas card" or "gift to the family."

[Tabris]

Hi, and thanks for all the feedback!

We're going to send the nice TY and put the picture up on the wall, no question about that. I just find it kind of awkward that she sent it as a Christmas gift, and my husband thinks the picture is her way of asking us to put up a picture of her. She's one of these no-self-esteem people who feels the need of hinting around at everything.

On the other hand, it might just be that the sales guy at the picture place talked her into it. I noticed the gifts were all shipped in a photo studio box, so it's possible someone wanted a high commission and pushed her into it.

Before FIL died, she'd had galmour shots done just of her, and over the bed in their bedroom was this huge picture of her. Just her. That always confused me too.

It was odd for a Christmas gift, but hey, it wasn't tooth paste.

[Lauren]

I think it's a bit weird that it's a glamour shot and not something of a "grandmother" nature.

It's for her grandchildren to look at, for crying out loud.

Yes, because doncha know that the MOMENET our parents become grandparents they lose ALL their individuality and become just "grandmothers".

If either of my grandmothers sent me a photo along these lines I'd be thrilled. I'd MUCH rather have a photo of her looking stunning than her looking old and grey. I want to remember her as this beautiful woman, not some sterotype.

[Balletmom]

Of course, it's a hint for you to put up the photo.

Although not having a photo of her alone is not that big a deal, to me, if she's in the other photos. That is a little narcissistic, I think.

Many churches, when putting together their photo directories of members, will allow the photographer to offer a "free" large photo of the member just for coming in and having their pics taken. We have photos of both sets of parents from that kind of situation.

I  don't consider photos of oneself to be an appropriate if that's the only gift, unless they are from elderly relatives (who judging from the comments I received when signing up people for our church directory, hate having their photos taken. Golly!)

I think they make lovely "additional" gifts...but just a portrait of oneself, "Here's you, looking at me!" has just never seemed like the most thoughtful of gifts.

My favorite e-hell oriented BIL once brought all the proofs of his daughter from a professional sitting, so we could order at will (and our own cost.)

[CosmicPossum]

My mom is 83 & says that sometimes she sees a burglar in her house--an old woman in the mirror!  I guess we always feel young inside.

[fklwmn]

My mom is 83 & says that sometimes she sees a burglar in her house--an old woman in the mirror!  I guess we always feel young inside.

LOL. except for me. I feel old inside. I pretty much always have!