Wrapping

Photo by Ann Cook

What’s on my mind?

I hate wrapping Christmas presents, but I enjoy the preparation. It’s like I’m making a statement about myself through my choices, especially with wrapping paper. Am I a modern or traditional gal? Should I go funky-fun garish, or use newspaper to be eco-friendly? Store-bought or handmade bows? Even the gift tags, should I handwrite them with serifs? And I always buy a new roll of Magic Scotch Tape because I can’t find last year’s.

After gathering my wrapping supplies and refreshing my coffee, I start wrapping in the guest room. This year would be different, I told myself. After all, I have big shoes to fill.

Mom wrapped Christmas presents with the precision of an origami master. She measured each box and then the paper, cutting straight lines with sharp sewing scissors. She always had pre-cut pieces of tape lined up on the edge of the table, ready to go. Her wrapping paper choices were understated, like paisley. She folded paper to fashion a ribbon. Her work was crisp, clean, and her seams disappeared. And when she finished, her presents looked like works of art. At least that’s how I remember them.

I started strong. I chose a fun forest-green wrapping paper with dogs in red sweaters and scarves. The other roll had moose playing sports. Penny liked them. I found red 3-inch-wide ribbon for a dollar at Dollar General and bought every spool. Name tags were half price at Vons. And for once, I didn’t have to buy Magic Scotch Tape. I found the one from last year.

The first few presents I wrapped looked the best. I took my time and channeled Mom. After that, my wrapping skills went downhill. By the fifth present, I was sawing at the paper with dull scissors and slapping on tape. Often, I cut the paper too short, so I had to patch it. That cheap Dollar General ribbon had wires that poked my fingers until they bled. Toward the end of wrapping, I wondered if those old gift bags might still be in the back of my closet.

With all the presents wrapped and under the tree, my anxiety melted away. Everything looked color-coordinated, just as I hoped, and the red bows were bold and festive. I didn’t fuss with the gift tags; I scribbled them. Then I threw all the leftover wrapping paper, ribbon, and empty Amazon boxes into the big garbage can outside, only saving the Magic Scotch Tape. I’m not much of a wrapping paper saver.

To my family, if you’re reading this and your present looks a little wonky, I apologize. Know that I love you all, and remember it’s what’s on the inside that counts.