It's not the gift it's the wrap that counts.

In my family gift wrap is a big deal. My sweet Mother was the best at gift wrap. Always used real satin ribbon and no store bought bows. Her packages were so beautiful that when I was a little girl I never wanted to open them. She would laugh and say " For heaven's sake Debra just tear the paper." I would open them so careful so I could save the pretty paper.

My Aunt worked in the gift wrap department of a department store downtown Elgin, Illinois so she had all the fancy package decorations. I still have package decoration that came on packages from my Aunt. I use them on my tree.

My sister also worked in the gift wrap department of ZCMI in Utah. When she changed departments and became the toys buyer people came looking for her at Christmas because it just wasn't the same without her cheerful wrapping.

My sister is not decorating this year for Christmas. She lived with my Mother and since this is our first year with out my Mom she just can't face all the memories the ornaments hold. So I decided to do over the top packages and send them to my sister so she can place them around the house for decorations and after we open them on Christmas morning her house will be all undecorated for her again.
Now my Mom has a storage shed FULL of decorations. My Mom was Martha Stewart with a dash of real elegance. Everyone I know has a center piece or wreathe by my Mom.

In spring when the holiday has pasted my sister and I are going to open that shed. There are boxes in there that have not been opened in years! It will be fun but probably a little melancholy as well. Two sisters bonding over Christmas past. We are going to do it when the sun is shinning and the pool is open so we can go swimming after.

This year I didn't unpack my old decorations for the same reasons. Too many memories. Next year I'll take them out again.

Last Friday at Make Mine pink we shared decorating and gift wrap ideas. My Little Pink Boutique has a bunch of great ideas check it out http://www.makeminepink.com/boutiques/details/?store=210. It is our way to say Thank you for being wonderful customers all year long. This Friday at Make Mine Pink we will be sharing our holiday reciepes with you so please stop by and have a peek for some yummy ideas. Here are some pictures of my kitchen . I always change out all my pastel pottery for my Botonical Gardens pottery and snow men. Enjoy and have a wonderful season! Lilli