America

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.