I’m kind of a stress-monkey at the holidays. I don’t really have a good excuse because I don’t have THAT much to do, but it’s enough to make me a little crazy.
<< This photo represents me at Christmas: I haven’t written enough words and mostly I’ve just beaten my head against the keyboard.
It doesn’t help that my office looks like this. >>
And I can’t even blame the dog. She was happily chewing her bone. It was me, ripping through the wrapping paper and ribbons like a rabid squirrel.
One way I amuse myself during the Christmas wrapping season is reusing last year’s wrapping paper and ribbons.
Yes, I am that person.
But it’s not my fault. I live in Portland, Oregon, where we reduce-reuse-recycle EVERYthing. (You should see what happens to the chicken bones in my house.)
But I don’t wrap presents in the funnies section. Oh no. It’s much trickier than that. My family is really good about buying decent wrapping paper (not that Dollar Store tissue that rips at the corners before you can even fold it). So wrapping presents is like a game of Tetris, fitting each box to each usable scrap of paper and then finding a ribbon that matches. (I admit, one present in the photo is wrapped in a Powell’s Books paper bag, but that’s only because I love Powell’s and the recipient is a book lover too.) I think I did pretty good. There are a couple places that look a little worn (just a little!) but in the excitement of ripping through the wrapper, I think no one will notice.
Monster Girl is embarrassed by my thrifty ways >> But I explained that’s how we pay for her tasty bones. As for my family that receives the re-wrapped gifts… Well, it would help if they lowered the lights a bit.
Merry Christmas Eve Eve!
Jessa Slade 
Have you considered that maybe you live in Portland because you reduce-reuse-recycle rather than doing so because you live there? Just a thought.. *grins*
Ah, cause and effect 🙂 I prefer to blame my surroundings, at least when my family comes to visit and groans about having to recycle their leftovers 🙂
You are embarrassing your little girl. She is seeking legal representation for slander. and royalties for use of her image. 🙂
Don’t believe a word she says. She’ll do anything for a cheap-o Milkbone.
I’ve always been a Xmas wrap recycler. I can remember my grandmother showing me how to neatly open a present and then refold the paper for next year. When you are from a big family where all presents are handmade anyway, wrapping must be saved. And if there are any tears, that is exactly wear the bow goes or the gift tag.
Looking at your pics, everything looks quite neat and shiny, and I love all the different patterns and colors. Looks perfect to me.
Merry Christmas, Jessa.