Last night, I wrapped all the gifts we have to give so far. (We have a couple more things to pick up and then we are done shopping and ready for the gifting!)
As I wrapped each package, I found myself very carefully choosing which paper to use for which gift. See, I love the different patterns of wrapping paper.
When we would go to Grandma’s house on Christmas, I remember marveling at all the different papers used to wrap gifts that had been carefully chosen for loved ones. Still today, when we gather at my parents house, I can’t wait to see what wrapping paper comes through the door when my brother’s family arrives and is added to what my husband and I have already added to what Mom and Dad have placed under the tree.
Last week, I took Santa photos at a private event. As such, I got to be privy to what people asked for Christmas. Being mostly adults, the request for “world peace” seemed to the automatic answer. (To which Santa would reply, “That’s a beauty pageant answer.”) Once prodded, most followed up with a new car. Ah, adulthood. The requests are fewer, but the price tags bigger.
I forget now what most of the small children wanted for Christmas. One went into how his brother is in the hospital and everything he wanted was for his brother. My heart was full of love for this little boy, and I said a quick silent prayer for his brother. On a night of fun with friends, his mind was elsewhere. I understood. I think we all do, because we’ve all been in his shoes at one time or another. That’s life… but I’m sad he was feeling that way at such a young age already.
I love giving gifts, each one very carefully chosen, based either on want or need. I want the recipient to know how much love was put into choosing the item. I still have some gifts from the past tucked away in my cedar chest, kept to remember the love I felt in it having been chosen to give to me.
As the gifts are piled up under the tree, in their beautiful, colorful and different papers, I know in the end its less about the items and more about the meaning of Christmas, and the love that winds through every gesture, decoration, hug and emotion.
Pretty paper, pretty ribbons of blue
Wrap your presents to your darling from you
Pretty pencils to write I love you
Willie Nelson
