Rant Attempting to use ribbon re present wrapping is a rage-inducing activity for me

[mikeymikec]

The obvious counterpoint for this situation would be "well don't do it then", except that Christmas is something my wife really gets into and nicely-wrapped presents is an important thing for her, so it makes sense to put some effort in.

She's shown me how to do it, twice recently (once yesterday).

Today I've spent 15 minutes trying to wrap one present in ribbon and I've really had enough.

This is the only (seemingly innocuous) activity that I've ever experienced which pisses me off this much. The mind boggles. It's just ribbon.

 

[IronWing]

Wrap ribbon around box, cut ribbon to just fit, tape ribbon to center of top of box. Place stick-on bow over tape to hide your sins.

 

[lxskllr]

Use decorative cord, or even something like jute twine for a "rustic" presentation. You don't get the ugly creases you can get with ribbon, and there's no inherent orientation. Tie a sprig of real holly in the bow for bonus points.

 

[sdifox]

take it to the mall and pay someone to do it

also random funny pix

 

[Kaido]

This is the only (seemingly innocuous) activity that I've ever experienced which pisses me off this much. The mind boggles. It's just ribbon.

Random tangent: I experienced this frustration my entire life with just about everything lol. I then got diagnosed with ADHD in my mid-20's. Last summer, I got diagnosed with HIT (histamine intolerance), which is apparently a huge contributor to ADHD. The past few months have been the only time in my life where I haven't been inordinately frustrated with everything I do. It's crazy that people just live like this ALL THE TIME lol.

So I feel you on the ribbon thing, haha!

 

[Captante]

Fortunately I was taught to wrap a gift as a kid by mom.

You COULD also just buy a bag of pre-tied bows with adhesive.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Just do gift cards, no box to wrap. Our Christmases have gotten smaller gift wise, everyone is older, even my nephews, so most gifts are just cards. I actually decided not to buy anything at all this year and told everyone to not buy for me either. I spent too much money on my wood stove, and my cat's death also cost a lot between the initial vet appointment and final one. Next year I can make up for it with the money I save on heating.

I have to admit I miss the days of my childhood seeing all the gifts under the tree though, but even if we decided to do big gifts again, it's just not the same as an adult.

 

[lxskllr]

and my cat's death also cost a lot between the initial vet appointment and final one.

Sorry to hear that. Condolences. When did that happen?

 

[Captante]

and my cat's death also cost a lot between the initial vet appointment and final one.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Sorry to hear that. Condolences. When did that happen?

A couple weeks ago. Long story short her kidneys failed completely, I knew she had issues and I had her on a special food so that probably gave her a bit more time. She stopped eating and drinking fairly suddenly and got really weak and when I realized it was because her kidneys I knew there was no turning back so decided it was time. She'd be 18 now, almost made it. Was a tough week but feeling better now. Thinking of getting another cat, or maybe two. Going to wait until after Christmas probably.

 

[lxskllr]

My old girl had kidney issues too. I still miss her. The two I have now are fun in their own way, but it isn't the same. They were barn kitties, and even though they came inside as fairly young kittens, they still have sort of feral traits. My old one was pretty much always with me; never left my side. Even when I'd go out back to do some work, she'd lay on top of the chair where she could keep an eye on me.

 

[Geekbabe]

I gave up, I use gift bags & colored tissue paper