As I prepare for Christmas in my family, one of my favorite times may be the wrapping of all the gifts. Each gift is treated special, and as I wrap, I fix my mind on the person to whom the gift will be given. I reminisce sweet memories as I recall all the wonderful attributes of each intended recipient. Even those individuals who can be a little more challenging for us – you know, the particular family member that causes you trouble or is hard to deal with – even with those, I make it a point to recount all the good qualities they have, allowing no adversity in my thoughts. I imagine myself telling them the good I see in them, purposely leaving out anything negative.
Ah, but only in my mind perhaps, as I realize I may never have such a quiet interaction with such people in reality.
Yet, in the wrapping ritual, I am free to love them in my imagination. Yes, I love each and every recipient of each and every gift I wrap for Christmas. Slowly and carefully, my practiced fingers seek for perfection and beauty in hopes that the special attention to details will somehow enhance the experience of opening this gift. Will they even notice?
It is of little matter, for whether they take notice or not, I know that gift has been anointed with the loving thoughts of the giver.
By the end of the days that encompass the wrapping ritual, I have already received something far more valuable than the small material gifts I give. The wrapping ritual has given to me a gift of sweet joy found only in the splendor of precious moments spent reflecting in love.
The holidays bustle with rush and rustle. Do not overlook this subtle opportunity to receive the best gift of the season. In that pile of paper, bows and ribbons, disguised as “another task on your list,” awaits hours of unexpected bliss if you will only embrace the wrapping ritual.
If you enjoyed this article, you may enjoy more of Marjorie Lou’s favorite traditions:
