The Mystery Box

It was the most wonderful time of the year! The streets were covered in snow, the lights and ornaments were beautifully hung on the tree and we were snuggled up warm under the blankets, sipping on our steaming hot chocolate. (This is still a favorite Christmas pastime for me! I cant think of anything more wonderful!) We were definitely enjoying the sights, smells (Nana used to have a home air freshener that smelled EXACTLY like homemade gingerbread! Nothing I have found since has had near that delicious smell!) and songs of the season.

Mom was out with Troy and Nana was babysitting. We were reminiscing about past Christmas's when Nana suddenly spotted an oddly shaped package under the tree. What was it? We picked it up for examination! It was to me! It was one of the gifts our Grandma Francis had sent so it had to be good! (Grandma had great taste when it came to toys- not so great when it came to clothes.) We shook it. Not too much noise. Whatever it was stayed pretty stationary. We squeezed it. The box was definitely plastic. It had to be a doll! But could it be? We all knew that Barbie had started a holiday collection. It couldn't be? Could it?

Nana could take it no more! She swore us to secrecy (Sorry Nana) and than she taught me the most useful technique. You see, with the magic of a butter knife you can cut the tape on one end of the package in just the right spot and actually slide the gift right out! No tearing of the paper! No evidence! Perfect!

We held our breath as she slid the doll right out of it's wrapping! And guess what!? It was her! The most beautiful doll we had ever seen! She had beautiful blond curls and a stunning dark green velvet gown. We stared at her for what seemed like ages.

Than it was time for Mom and Troy to return. We must put her back. Was it possible? You betcha!! Just slide the doll back into the wrapping, put a new piece of tape over the old and TADA!!!

Thanks for the tip Nana! It definitely helped out every year since!