What is with the Tissue?

[kyntor70]

No: HPFGUIDX 95288

Sylvia asked:

"What exactly is going on with the "gifts" the Dursleys send Harry at
Christmas e.g. a single tissue, a 50p coin? Why do they bother to
send him anything? Is it part of the contract Petunia has
reluctantly agreed to, to protect Harry, that some token must be sent
and is she sending the very least she can get away with?"


Personally, I think the Dursleys are just taking another shot at 
Harry.

To use an anology:

If you really want to show your displeasure in a waitress, you don't 
walk away from the table without leaving a tip, you leave a penny.

I believe the Dursleys are doing the same thing with the gifts.

To not send someone a gift (unless you forgot) shows that you really 
don't care that much about them.  However, to go out of your way to 
send someone a contempable gift not only shows your contempt for 
them, but also shows that you like rubbing their noses in it.

Kyntor