From real life. “I prepared presents for my grandchildren for St. Nicholas Day, but they didn't like them”: Does everything have to be modern now?

When the day came, the grandchildren ran into the house with smiles on their faces.

St. Nicholas Day has always been a special time for me. For as long as I can remember, I have loved giving my grandchildren gifts. I have chosen the gifts carefully, putting my heart and soul into them. This year, I decided to do something more personal – return to the tradition of handicraft. I spent weeks sewing teddy bears for my grandchildren. Each one was different, unique, with the grandchild's name embroidered on the belly. I was proud of myself.

When the day came, the grandchildren ran into the house with smiles on their faces. On the table were parcels of presents, beautifully wrapped, surrounded by candlelight. I watched as they enthusiastically tore open the wrapping paper. But their reactions were not what I had imagined.

– Teddy Bear? – Karolinka asked, holding the toy in her hand. – Grandma, these are for the little ones.

– Grandma, where are the Legos? – Krzyś added, throwing his teddy bear aside.

I sat there, a smile slowly fading from my face.

– I thought you'd like them,– I said quietly. – Each one is one of a kind. I made them especially for you.

Karolinka shrugged.

– Thank you, Grandma, but you know, kids prefer something different these days.

Their words were like a knife in the heart. I had put so much effort, so much love into these gifts, and they were worthless to them. I felt tears welling up in my eyes, but I didn't want to show them my pain.

After dinner, the grandchildren played with their phones and tablets. Teddy bears lay forgotten on the armchair. My daughter, seeing something was wrong, came over to me.

– Mom, kids have different expectations these days – she said. – I know you tried, but these are not those times anymore.

I looked at her with pain in my eyes.

– But does everything have to be modern? – I asked. – Does the love put into something you made no longer matter?

Daughter shrugged.

– Mom, kids just live in a different world. Maybe you should understand that.

The words rang in my ears long after everyone had left. I sat by the Christmas tree alone, staring at the twinkling lights, asking myself: am I really so far removed from today's world? Are my efforts no longer valid because they don't meet modern standards?

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