The joy of receiving (pt. 1)

The pretty colours catch your eye. The wrappings and bows entice you. You want to pick up a present, shake it a little and guess what’s inside.

But, you don’t.

I was taught the joy of receiving lies in the anticipation. You don’t open your presents before that special day. No (wags finger). You wait until Christmas day. Not on the eve at midnight; the actual day in the morning.

It takes so little – and in this case, so little equates to a few dozen gifts – to make me feel like a kid, again.

You’re impatient and are about to wet yourself from anxiety and anticipation (thank God for super-absorbency pads).

It’s time!

With a slew of presents in front of me, I order them in importance. Gifts from casual friends are first to be opened, then ones from closer friends, then “family”, then blood family (those gifts always come last, for fear of life in eternal damnation).

First, check who the gift is from by looking at the label. Ensure everyone knows with a nodding of their heads and the occasional “ohhh” and start pulling apart the paper. DON’T RIP THE WRAPPING PAPER! You have to save the paper for next year. Be gentle splitting the tape. Use a sharp object if you have to, but don’t damage the paper.

Then, when that delicate surgery has been performed, you slide the paper from the package (and any ribbons and bows, if applicable) and see where the box is from. This year, it seems everyone shopped at the Gap.

Open the box (don’t wreck the box because it can always be used for regifting), gently pull apart the tissue paper and look at the marvel that lies inside.

Awww… A dress. Not really my style. A little small, but it can be exchanged for a larger size...