Chapter 23: Paper, Ribbons, and Bows – 2027
"Every freaking year we do the same thing," Tony groused as he hobbled between offices with his left hand on his lower back. "We wrap gifts at the last minute on Christmas Eve and vow we are gonna do better on getting the gift wrapping done early the next year."
"And you sit on the floor, and then complain about your back," Ziva put a hand on his cheek. "We need to find a better system."
Tony cut the sheet of paper to the size he needed for Anthony's new tablet. He handed Ziva the roll of paper, "When you get that set of photography books wrapped, four of the kids will be done. I'm glad we decided to use the gift wrap to code which presents are whose."
"Well, I am glad we used the last of the Lion King paper this year, finally. LJ is getting a bit old for that theme," Ziva placed the three-book set on the sports-themed paper. "We shall need to find a new theme for his gifts."
"Ditto for the princess-themed papers for the twins," he commented. "I'll bet you clean-up chores after breakfast tomorrow that Riv will roll her eyes at the Disney baby princess stuff."
Ziva smirked, "I would not bet against it; and, no, you are not getting out of cleaning up that easily." She leaned over and kissed him lightly. "The deal is whoever does not make Christmas breakfast cleans up. This year is my turn to make our family breakfast."
"Challah French toast?" he asked hopefully.
She nodded, "That is why I made the extra loaves today. I know that is everyone's favorite. I also bought some turkey breakfast sausage and turkey bacon."
"Yum! Please hand me the music-themed wrapping paper roll," he pointed to the large roll they found after Christmas last year. "Tali will like this one; it looks sort of 'grown up' don't ya think?"
He measured out the paper and made the cuts he needed. As he folded the cheerful wrap around the fluffy bathrobe, something occurred to him. "You know, Ziva, every year we spend hours wrapping gifts for the kids and family. And then what happens? In mere minutes, the paper, ribbons, and bows are discarded in heaps in the family room so that the recipient can admire the gifts inside the packages."
"Yes; and?"
"Well, what if we tried to make it easier on us and find something a bit more sustainable? Like reusable fabric gift bags," he suggested. "Remember the ones we saw at the superstore?"
Ziva nodded, "They were not inexpensive. But, if we can reuse them year after year, it may be worth the extra money in the long term. Perhaps we can check the after-Christmas clearance sales and get some deals?"
"Sounds like a plan to me. Oh, and with your big gift, maybe we can even make our own?" he remembered the sewing machine that was under the tree for Ziva from him. She had decided to try quilting as a hobby after seeing some of the pieces made by Delilah's mother back in the fall.
"We shall see; are you offering to help?" she winked at her husband.
Tony grinned, "Actually, yes, I would help. I mean, how hard can it be to sew up a simple bag? I'd give it a try."
Ziva put the last piece of tape on the gift she was wrapping for Tali, "I will hold you to that." She stacked some of the wrapped gifts, "Now help me carry these gifts to put under the tree, please. The McGees will be here for breakfast at 0830."