Getting It Right
Spent time wrapping presents yesterday. I need to up my game. I’m good at wrapping presents by family group so that I know which paper goes with what group. But the little touches are missing. Ribbons and bows. We used to have a big assortment of bows, and they got re-used. But over the years they’ve disappeared and now it’s just paper. Sort of boring. And I never did well with ribbons. But there’s always a first time.
I did buy a new supply of stickers after spending hours last year scrounging for the ones my late wife bought. I even bought new paper this year. Next year I need to work on ribbons and the pretty paper that goes inside the box. I actually used old newspapers this year. I’m embarrassed. But everyone cuts me slack. So, no harm, no foul. But I like a nicely wrapped present and I think everyone else does, too. I may trot out today and see about buying some stick on bows.
It's nice having presents under the tree. And there are still more to go. I’ll do those today. Of course, most of them will be hauled to Houston for opening before Christmas, but that’s okay. I’m in the spirit and it’s Santa’s workshop time. As I wrapped, I had my usual remorse that none of the presents were actually as good as I imagined when I bought them. But they say it’s the thought that counts. I hope that’s true and that my recipients feel the love and that I got it right this time.
John W. Wilson is the author of The Long Goodbye: A Caregiver's Tale