I Blame Her

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons."

~Ruth Ann Schabacker

I'm just going to go ahead and blame this one on my mother.  Without realizing it, she instilled in me the idea that "presentation is everything".  Trust me, I have a lifetime of holidays and birthdays and special occasions to pull from.  

I vividly remember her picking out the perfect wrapping paper and painstakingly choosing the proper ribbons and embellishments. Embellishments--pfft...most people don't go any farther than a stick-on bow.  

Ahh, but then there is my sweet, creative, artistic mother.  Her packages and presents always seemed like they should grace the floor of Santa's workshop or be overflowing from a winter wonderland display at Nordstrom.  

Seriously, we're talking amazing wrapping perfection.  

Perfectly folded corners.  Perfectly tied ribbons.  Perfectly formed bows.  

Perfect color coordination.

I remember her converting our kitchen table into gift-wrap central.  She would wrap and I would sit, watch and talk to her.  So quick and easy she made it appear.  So-- big shocker-- all of her perfection and creativity had me wanting to be just like her. 

Therefore, from a very young age, I wrapped all of my own presents, trying with my clumsy fingers to emulate her crisp folds and perfect knots.  I even purchased my own wrapping supplies in an attempt to keep up with the ever-so-high wrapping standard.

Now I'm kind of a wrapping paper, "presentation is everything" fanatic.  I'll admit that I am completely against gift bags, except for when the gift inside is all wrapped in a coordinating paper.  Sad, very sad, but true.

Also, I have this crazy philosophy about the wrapping being part of the gift.  I believe it says, "I put thought into this.  I went the extra mile to make you feel special."

Most of my wrapping has been finished for awhile now.  However, this afternoon I finished up some last minute details.  I tied the final bow and crisped the last corner.

Welcome, Christmas.  We're officially ready for you.