Pickles by Brian Crane for December 25, 2021

It’s a common trope. At our house, Spouse wraps things by putting them in a fancy box or bag. She claims it’s “just easier” but I’ve seen her struggle to wrap a hardback book… I’m the one who wraps boxes with nice paper and a matching (or contrasting) ribbon and bow.

My dearly beloved used to use enough sticky tape to wrap a Rolls Royce. :) May he Rest in Peace.

Fat Chance the Wrapper

Opal knows it’s more authentic to receive it wrapped that way from Earle.

I wonder what they got. For Earl, maybe an extension cord for his new electric drills? Haven’t a clue for Opal though. Merry Christmas.

Save the ribbons and bows!

Wrapping (and unwrapping) the present is part of the gift.

Unfortunately Earl doesn’t have the gift of wrapping a gift.

I have to admit I’m not much good at wrapping gifts! I’ve gotten into the habit of buying a really pretty box, you can get very nice ones in an assortment of sizes with flowers, birds, patterns etc on them from Family Dollar & Dollar General for not that much and it becomes part of the gift as they can be used for all sorts of things! My husband is meticulous and very good at making/putting together things (he’s a construction contractor) so if a gift needs to be wrapped he does an excellent job of it :-)

Who dresses nicely to unwrap gifts?

Merry Christmas, all! I wrap presents sort of like Earl !

Good work Earl ! Merry Christmas to All !

I think you should have had Nelson wrap your present, Earl…couldn’t do any worse!

That now wraps up 2 weeks of Pickles being in Christmas strip rerun mode all week. Could it be Brian Crane is about to end the strip for good in early 2022 after about over a few weeks of mostly Pickles in a mix of new and rerun strips each week (that started in 2019).

MERRY CHRISTMAS from Arizona!

Try to remember, it’s the thought that counts!

Merry Christmas!

My gifts come on a Charlie Brown paper bag.

I am like Earl, totally unable to wrap any presents

Sexist stereotype!

I love wrapping and making unusual but pretty bows.

He gave her a bag of cookies.

My wrapping skills are terrible. Merry Christmas my friends.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL ESPECIALLY TO THE .CRANE FAMILY and thank you for the fabulous strip that hits home every time! LOL

For awkwardly unwrappable gifts, I used to use Post-Its to direct my child to her gift. They would have clues on them to the next note, maybe as many as 12 notes in all, and the last one would have the gift in maybe my car, or the basement, or if smaller, the microwave. She really loved the treasure hunt. It started after I left her Easter basket on the kitchen table for her one year and forgot to lock the dog in my room that night. The clues on notes became a regular thing for some gifts, and I have even used it into her adulthood on occasion. She used to get so excited, running all over the place!

That’s NOTHING…….. wait’ll you see what’s inSIDE..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Earl does not think he did bad on rapping, lazy guy. Hope we find out what their gifts are?

Earl tried. I got nothing. I used to be hurt but have figured out that’s it’s just not in his realm of things to do. His parents did nothing for him while he was growing up. In our 38 yrs of marriage, he’s only gotten ONE birthday gift from his mother and that was in 1984. For the first 10 yrs of marriage, I always sent something to her for Christmas. I stopped after that. He’s never gotten a Christmas gift from her. That didn’t stop his half brother from asking Brad to buy their mother a pair of $150 pair of shoes. Brad bought two pair and sent her.

Merry Christmas to cmerb, and Mrs Calabash, wherever you are.

Only one step up from handing her a check. Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

I’m the gift wrapper in the family – though I don’t profess to be any good at it. My wife prefers gift bags and fancy boxes. There is sometimes a method to my madness, though.

For example, I gift-wrapped a container that a bottle of scotch came in. I’d placed my wife’s gift inside the box. When she tore off the paper, her expression was priceless. She’s not really a drinker and couldn’t understand why I’d buy her a bottle of booze for Christmas. Eventually, I persuaded her to open the carton and she discovered her real gift ( also wrapped in Christmas paper ).

Earl is cute all dressed up!

It’s the thought that counts and he thought he knew how.

It’s the thought that counts Opal.

Merry Christmas and God bless you all!

Merry Christmas, Go Comics buds!

I’m horrid at wrapping gifts. I admit I’ve now resorted to gift bags if it’s a physical gift. And I love giving e-gift cards!