How One Family’s Holiday Ribbon Tradition Preserves Memories and Cuts Waste
Every Christmas, one family keeps a small but meaningful tradition alive. While others tear through wrapping paper, one mother quietly collects used ribbons, turning them into neat loops for next year. This simple habit not only saves money but also carries memories of past holidays.
The process begins as presents are unwrapped. Instead of tossing ribbons aside, the mother carefully gathers them, smoothing out creases before forming them into circles. By the end of the day, a tidy container holds the salvaged decorations, ready for storage.
The ribbons are kept in a box, each loop placed side by side to prevent tangling. This method ensures they stay in good condition, making them easy to reuse for future gifts. The practice doesn’t stop at ribbons—other wrapping supplies, like scraps of gift paper, sturdy boxes, and tissue paper, are also saved.
This tradition has roots in the family’s history. A thick, red piece of felt and a roll of gold-detailed wrapping paper were once passed around for years, used and reused in different households. Now, the habit has been passed down, with the author continuing the practice of saving and reusing materials.
Reusing ribbons and wrapping supplies cuts down on waste and keeps costs low. The tradition also holds sentimental value, linking each holiday to memories of the past. For this family, a simple box of saved ribbons represents both practicality and a cherished connection to their shared history.
