The holiday season is an invitation to share traditions, stories, and gifts.
Whether around a table or by the fire, these elements of the holiday lead us to appreciating those we love through deeper connection and understanding. We’re reminded in these spaces that love truly is abundant all year long if we’re willing to show up for our community and family as our most authentic selves.
The art of gift-giving is not only fun, it’s an exchange of energy and appreciation. It allows connections to be strengthened while new memories are created. Sure, the gift itself holds importance. Often, it’s a chance to show the receiver that you know them and consider their desires in your decision-making process. But what if we began to use our gift-wrapping skills to reveal who we are to the receiver? I’d like to think it would be a display of trust and honesty, allowing our true selves to be seen through unique choices and creativity. Tie it all together with a bow and a collection of poetry, and you’ll have a new memory to cherish for holidays to come.
From sleek minimalism to avant-garde artistry, our tips, tricks, and poetry pairings below will help make this holiday season one to remember.
Newspaper Wrapping
For the eco-conscious and chic minimalist, only the most thoughtful of poetry will do. You have an appreciation for the simple moments of life that bring romance and beauty to the mundane.
Wrapping Tips: Try mixing sentimental touches with your present, such as a ribbon from a memory, using newspaper from the day of the receiver’s birthday, or sliding a sprig of pine under tied yarn.
Poetry Pairings:
- Wislawa Szymborska – “Map: Collected and Last Poems”
- Ross Gay – “Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude”
- Maggie Smith – “Good Bones”
Traditional Holiday Wrapping Paper
The traditions that fill your heart bring you a peace you’re excited to share with those you love this holiday season. Your holiday-centered style weaves a golden thread of nostalgia through gift exchanges with every twist and turn of shining ribbon and carefully written cursive letter.
Wrapping tips: Think warm, comforting, and deeply sentimental. To radiate even more classic
Poetry Pairings:
- Natasha Trethewey – “Monument: Poems New and Selected”
- Christina Rossetti – “Goblin Market and Other Poems”
- Carol Ann Duffy – “The Bees”
Gift Bag
Sleek and chic as you are, you know that sometimes less truly is more. With intentional choices, this speedy wrapping style allows your effortless modernism to shine, just like the metallic touches you’re drawn to.
Wrapping Tips: Make one or two distinct choices with your packaging and let the rest be simple. Opting for a unique circular bag or bright red tissue paper shows your creativity without going overboard.
Poetry Pairings:
- José Olivarez – “Promises of Gold”
- Jericho Brown – “The Tradition”
- Louise Glück – “Faithful and Virtuous Night”
Funky Wrapping
You are the dreamer who brings unexpected joy and light to the table. While tradition is honored throughout this season, there wouldn’t be any without those creative enough to try something new. So, allow your creative streak to run free!
Wrapping Tips: Go big or go home! Finding fun touches you enjoy and wrapping up a special gift with carefully crafted chaos and love is a beautiful way to spread holiday joy. Think mismatched textures, bright colors, hand-painted wrapping, or even make the wrapping part of the gift with a personalized collage.
Poetry Pairings:
