Reason No. 10 to be Happy

Wrapping presents

Each year I approach wrapping Christmas presents as though it was the first in a series of selected tortures designed to break my soul. The creases are never sharp enough. The stickiness of the tape makes my teeth hurt and the sound of that cheap paper tearing just stings me right to my bones. Don't even get me started about how that endless pile of mating gifts makes me feel. I swear they keep multiplying in a very sadistic sort of way.

This year things were different. It was my honor and privilege to what most parents abhor to do: teach my daughters how to wrap presents. Now before you read too far, let me explain. I wasn't all giddy because I was going to con this job onto two unsuspecting children. No, I was giddy because I could finally pass down the knowledge of the perfect crease and how to accurately estimate your paper needs and reduce waste. Perfect packages are wrapped with just the right amount of paper-- not too much, not too little (obviously). Presents also must be tightly wrapped-- think tighter than the smallest skinny jeans on the most obnoxious teenager.

For a half an hour I shared my knowledge. My daughters listened (the two that would-- the other I have no hope for-- she will always pay to have someone else do the wrapping-- I'm quite sure). They listened. They tried. They wrapped two gifts a piece and then politely asked me to do all their wrapping from here until eternity.

And so, I will admit. I'm not ashamed. I am happy because now I know there will be two other miserable people wrapping package after package this Christmas. Now I know they know how to do it. There are no excuses. More people in wrapping hell makes Mama one happy woman.