The class they never taught in Home Economics class. Gift wrapping. One of the most useful skills in all human activity. Completely ignored.

I learned how to make omelets in Home Economics. Even a Baked Alaska. But they never brought up gift wrapping. Thus I wander through life as if there are never occasions when it might be helpful to know how to gift wrap something for someone you care about.

The manner in which a gift is wrapped does matter. A couple years ago my fiance’s daughter Sarah (1) brought home a gift from England for her best friend, whose name is also Sarah (2).

Sarah 2 was sitting at the kitchen table when the gift was handed over, unwrapped. Sarah 2 took a look at the gift and said, “No, I’m not taking it until it’s wrapped.”

Sarah 1 stood aghast. “Forget you!” she laughed, because they have been friends since they were little.

But Sarah 2 was adamant. And Sarah 1, if I recall properly, somehow wrapped the gift even if it was just a bag with some paper stuffed in the top.

There’s a lesson in that. Showing someone that we care is a two-way street. Sometimes it is our responsibility to hold our friends accountable for their conscience. In some ways that’s the best gift of all.

When it comes to running and riding and swimming, it is a great gift to encourage others. Just this morning Sue was feeling sick with a cold and was going to miss a workout. That is a total rarity for her.

“But you should go out and run,” she nudged me. And I did.

And I felt like crap because of all the food and junk of the holidays. But by the time I was done, the flow started again and I was running smoothly.

However my feet hurt a bit from all the shopping and running around. And I felt fat because well, right now I’m fat.

So there’s a virtue to knowing how to unwrap gifts as well. It’s my job to unwrap a few pounds in the coming weeks. I’m sure some of you will be joining me in that endeavor.

Merry freaking Christmas. That’s my wrap for the day.