Christmas Gifts, Not Wrapped

  My mother use to make her own bows. I think she may have made the wrapping paper? It would not surprise me. I do remember her making beautiful ice candles, and tulle trees, and so much more.(Note it was all done with no wine!) ( But the cigs were burning in every ashtray!) I think bragging about your mom is great, but to follow in those footsteps not so easy. So I gave up that ghost, about twelve, maybe earlier!!
   I would prefer to give you, your gift in the bag it came in. No bows, no paper, just the thought. The perfect wrapped present, skipped to my Lou, over me. AND I feel no shame.
  I give great gifts, I spend time and research on all my people. I have an artists eye, and an amazing memory. If you even mention something that you like, I will probably make it for you, or find it and buy it in any month. So often, I will say, "Oh this looks like___________! just add your name)
  Will it be wrapped nice, never! It annoys me, to cut and fold, and tape.
  I love a good bag, and lots of tissue. I can stuff a bag!
  There is never any ribbon in my house, no bows to be made.
  I will not make any ice candles, or tulle trees ( but I would like to have one mom!)
  I love to decorate in my style, and its very different. Unique would be an appropriate word. I have a basket with glasses, that look like Christmas to me. That works!
 I take cards and prints that I have found throughout the year, and frame them. Some for me, and some for you! I frame everything, its so much fun.
  Also if I really like something, I will probably buy two. I like the gifts I give! Most likely you will see me with that very bracelet that you are receiving! That sheet music that I play on the piano, you may have it framed one day! Especially if you ever told me, you love "Moon River" as much as I do. I take many photos and if you want them painted, one day you will get that very painting. I love to share, sounds like a quote from the Elf movie!!!
  I love to share my gift giving talents, and let you know my weakness, gift wrapping! Lack of wrapping, is more like it.
  I will also not be making cut out cookies, that is just a fact!! I hung all of mom's old cookie cutters on my tree, better use of them. I remember biting into those silver balls, and most of the sprinkles came off on the floor. My memories are of mom working too hard, to be perfect. I think she enjoyed some of it, I hope so. I just was not going to have any part of perfect. I would ask the kids, "Do you want cookies, what kind!" and they would say "Chocolate chips, or Jeannine's fudge!" OK, "done." no silver balls, and if you want sprinkles, just put some in a spoon and eat it! Use it to make a picture, that's it ! " Lets draw and color!"
 We are all so different, and learn so much from each other, and its all right!
 My mom makes the best of many things, and so do I, that is what Christmas is about.
 Loving the pretty bows, and the not so beautiful package.
 Learning from each other, and laughing about it.
 And listening to my children laugh, " We know which presents you wrapped mom!"
 Merry Almost Christmas, I need to go wrap a few gifts! I bought back to back tape, so things are already not looking so good!! or they are!! Perception, HO, HO, HO!