That's a Wrap!

Tonight I wrapped all of my Christmas presents! I laughed and smiled the whole time because I managed to underestimate the necessary space of giftwrap for every gift -- after I finished cutting it! I put each parcel in the center of the spread-out paper, then unrolled the paper until I could pull the end side of the paper onto half of the gift. Then I put the paper back on the floor, looked at how much paper was on that side beside the present then estimated that length on the opposite side. Then I cut vertically, making sure there was enough paper to fold the sides of the present to the top.

After I finished cutting the paper, I pulled each side of it over the gift and realized the sides wouldn't reach each other. How does this happen? It's not like I just randomly guessed how much paper I would need. I turned down the Christmas music and took my candy cane out of my mouth so I could concentrate better. I really should learn to just measure the paper and then equal the measurements on the other side, but every year I just assume I will be better at wrapping this time. Why? How? It's not like I acquired a whole year's worth of gift wrapping experience. Christmas is the only time I wrap presents. So I can't be better at it then I was last year, unless improved gift wrapping skills come with age.

Nah. Only experience will help. And a ruler. I'm far too stubborn, though. I want to do it without any help!