December 19, 2013

I have noticed something over the course of many Christmas celebrations. Whether it is a fruit cake made from cement and hard candy, an ugly Christmas sweater 2 sizes too small, or a lovely assortment of Hello Kitty collectables, I am more excited about presents that are wrapped in wrapping paper, than gifts presented in nicely decorated gift bags. I think that it aids to the air of surprise. There is a barrier to gratification, or, at worst, more time to pretend that there is no such thing as a set of designer tooth-picks. A bag can easily be reached into and the prize is readily at your finger tips. Whether it is a new pair of Oakley, or a new pair of wool boxers, for better or worse it is there. I’ve noticed on more than one occasion, I actually slow myself when “opening” a present in a gift bag. I smile, slow my movements, carefully remove the tissue paper from the bag, maybe I fold it up and put it to the side, I reach in and pull out the gift that I try very earnestly not to see while removing the paper. “Thank you, Rebecca, that is very thoughtful of you.” The moment is over. The prize is retrieved and we move on to the next exchange.

Ah but to open a wrapped present- ah-ha huah huah the crème de la crème! The tantalizing picture of a mysterious package, brightly colored, under the tree. I peer over at it, around other guests who dawdle  through their conversations as if also taken in by the atmosphere. I sit, take the parcel handed over to me, and place it on my lap. The paper crinkles in my figure tips. I can feel its weight, its size. I twist it around, and turn it over. Maybe a little shake. What could it be? Even if I wanted to rip it apart, it would take more than a moment, but I don’t. The sweet anticipation builds.  I unwrap it calmly, tearing though the carefully folded exterior, and discard the refuse in a pile on the ground. I’m almost to the end of the rainbow, but still, the finish is obscured as a box appears beneath the surface. White. Clean.  I open the box, in quick fashion, and finally break free of the momentary apprehension. “Thank you, Christy, I love it!”

In the moments that we unwrap a present something unique happens. We get caught up in the affair. Our senses heighten ever so slightly and we appreciate the beauty, and thoughtfulness of something often so simple. Whether you are one to rip through the paper, or carefully fold it up as if another gift in itself, you can feel your families love in your hands. When you arrive at the end you feel a sense of joy. Whether it is something you need, something you want, or something that you are not quite sure what it is, you remember the time, effort, and love it represents.

So as we all finish up our Christmas shopping, (You are just starting!? What?) take time to wrap the gifts you get to give your friends and family.  Find some paper you like, break out the scissors and tape, and turn that gift into a jumbled mess only you can accomplish. Make your gift represent more than just the vintage toe-nail clippers you think aunt Leslie can’t live without.

I hope you have a very nice holiday season with all your friends and family, and don’t forget the most important holiday this season- December 21st! …Look it up.

-Michael Speck