The way people react to change fascinates me. As a society, we have so many new things at our disposal, but sometimes we simply retreat into a stubborn position and wish everything would just always stay the same.

That’s a tempting proposition, but not always the best course of action. Change can open our eyes to wonderful new things and make our lives much richer in the long run.

I thought of all this as I peeled the wrapping paper off a couple of my presents Christmas morning. Since I don’t like to turn my gift wish list into a ransom note, I don’t ask for many things, preferring to let the people who buy me presents rely on their imagination and understanding of my personality.

This generally works out. I understand why the list makers do what they do – I generally get pretty detailed instructions from my wife to avoid any mishaps – but I don’t want to play their game.

I want to be surprised. If the gift is not what I want, I can either just deal with it or find a way to exchange it for something more aligned with my tastes. I have much more fun buying special gifts than receiving something I specifically asked for, but that’s just me.

As I picked up one box and they both looked at me with great anticipation, I could tell my theories on gift giving would soon undergo a very strong test. I tore into the paper, a little bit excited and a little bit worried.

I had no reason to worry. I knew that within a few seconds when I saw the familiar picture on the outside of the box. We watched too much television.

I got a Snuggie.

At no point did I ever ask for a Snuggie. I may have joked about how awesome I found the item. I showed incredible glee when I gave one as a joke gift to someone who desperately did not want a Snuggie. But I never asked for a Snuggie.

When I relax in front of the TV, I like to wear layers. Sometimes I grab one of the blankets we have in the living room. When I retire to the man cave in the basement, I have a space heater to keep me warm.

This gift changes the whole equation. Do I keep it downstairs for those particularly cold nights when I want to watch a game? The Snuggie has pockets for me to keep snacks, but I like to walk around sometimes, a task not really conducive to this item of clothing.

I could save it for when I chill on the couch with the family, but I don’t know if keeping a royal blue Snuggie will go over well with the decorating committee of the house. If I put it away somewhere, I will undoubtedly be too lazy to go get it when I need it.

I don’t know if I can deal with all these decisions. And don’t even get me started on my new slippers. I don’t usually wear slippers. Where do I keep these things so I get good use out of them? This is why change vexes me at times.