All wrapped up

I love wrapping Christmas presents.  I know a lot of people don’t – why do you think so many present wrapping services pop up in high streets and in stores during December? For me though, it’s a fun, creative outlet at the end of the year…

When Adam and I were back in England earlier this month I lusted over the reams of beautiful paper and sweet gift tags that were on sale.  In the end common sense won. Can image the state of a roll of wrapping paper after 30+ hours travelling?!

Instead, when I got back to Wagga Wagga I went through and sorted through the boxes and bags of paper, gift tags and ribbons I’d amassed over the years.  I decided I had more than enough to cater for this Christmas.  Why buy for the sake of buying when I already had what I needed?

In organising my present wrapping supplies, I noticed a distinct colour theme in what I’m drawn to when it comes to gifting – white and gold, with pops of red…. and lots of brown paper! There’s something about the simplicity of brown paper that I’m drawn to.  It’s such a timeless base and packages always look so chic wrapped up in brown paper with a simple adornment like a grosgrain ribbon.

In previous years I dedicated a day to wrapping all my presents at once.  This year I’m just doing one or two a day.  I like that it’s a little project I can look forward to after work and instead of pushing through and trying to get every present wrapped at once, I’m able to spend a little more time on each gift, matching the wrapping to the recipient.

When I was living in England I scavenged bits of greenery from our garden to add to our presents, and I loved the fresh look it gave my presents. There are a few big gum trees near the house, so I’m playing around with adding a few dried leaves to my gifts, to give them a distinctly Australian feel.

I don’t have a huge amount of presents to wrap this year. We’re keeping it rather simple, with a ‘Secret Santa’ with my family – just one present for one person at a set budget.  It makes you think a lot more about what you’ll pick, instead of panic buying . That approach though, seems to fit that pared back approach I’m taking with my wrapping, and to be honest, this Christmas in general.   So many people put so much pressure on themselves at this time of year, when really it should really be about enjoying time with friends and family.

Have a wonderful weekend… and happy wrapping! x