(Original Publication Date, 26 December 1990)
Panel 1: As Elly folds up a tablecloth, Mike tells her about a great idea he had: opening a couple of presents every day instead of doing so all at once. Elly proves that she can't be asked to remember that she's raised Mike to be as shallowly materialistic as she and John are by saying that it's a good idea.
Panel 2: The reason this is a good idea is that maybe they'd take the time to really consider the thought that went into each item.
Panel 3: Maybe it would make them truly appreciate the spirit of the season.
Panel 4: When Mike says that maybe, they'd get more, the reminder that Mike is who he started out as (a greedy piece of felgerkarb who thinks "not wanting everything ever" is nuts and cruel) leaves her gobsmacked.
Summary: Elly is always looking for signs that her children are becoming Wonderful and she's always being disappointed. In this case, she wants a son who's a saint instead of an ain't.