For junior Alvin Chung, Christmas is a practical affair.

One time he remembers getting a set of metal utensils.“This happened in elementary school, and I remember crying when I saw what I got,” he said.

The utensils were put in the cupboard, and ever since, they have been a part of the family utensil supply.

This pitiful story, while funny to some observers, only marked the start of Chung’s more practical, if sometimes disappointing, Christmases. Among the other gifts he has received as a small child were an assortment of candles and a brand new microwave.

But as Chung matured, so did his presents.

“When I was in seventh grade, I guess they thought I was mature enough to get gifts for myself,” Chung said. “I got excited when I saw a smaller box, but when I opened it, there was a razor and a bottle of Axe deodorant.”

This upgrade in quality of gifts may seem comical to others, but to Chung, it meant a world of difference. He couldn’t shave his baby beard with a utensil kit, but with his new shaving kit, his Christmas dreams could come true.

As thanks, Chung gave his mom and dad something of equal value: a heartfelt Christmas card carefully folded inside a newly purchased coffee mug.

And he has learned to like gifts like facial cream and a razor blade.

“I’ve sort of learned to appreciate the practical gifts,” Chung said. “I am also looking forward to getting facial cream this year.”