DPP: Day 20

Since the Christmases of my childhood I have been drilled with the idea of saving every imaginable box because it might be needed, especially those of unusual shape or size.  My mother was extra possessive of the extra large shirt-type boxes perfect for coats or robes, and our attic was full of stashed boxes collected throughout the year "just in case" they were needed in December.

And it didn't end Christmas morning.  Opening of gifts both at home and at my grandparents' was peppered with periodic shouts of "Save the ribbon!" or "Don't throw away the box!"  Ribbons were particularly valuable as my aunt spent who-knows how much time crafting these puffy, curly ribbons that adorned the stash under the tree.

Needless to say, this is the way I thought everyone acted.

So imagine my shock when I spent my first Christmas as a Hamill at the in-laws: they throw away boxes and ribbons!  The hoarder side of me quickly started claiming them.  "Um, if no one wants that box, I will take it."  I was met with a look of puzzlement which made me feel like a beggar scrounging through the refuse, but it was perfectly good; there was no reason to throw it away!  I came away with a multitude of ribbons and an extra large shirt box (which still sits in my closet and has never in the last decade seen any type of use...but it's there because one day I might just need it!).

Now I, too, have a collection of boxes some of which have a history of use: bits of Scotch tape holding a scrap of paper from years before and gift tags bearing the names of lucky recipients and generous givers.  There's something comforting about pulling one out and remembering what was found in it last year and the year before, remembering those Christmases shared with loved ones who are with us no more.