Amazing and Wonderful

Don Meadows, Editor

I am surrounded by paper, in many forms, some obvious, some less so.

 

In the office, I have printer and copy paper (I use reams and reams of this), photo paper, books, magazines, newspapers, and printed faux-wood finish on a few pieces of furniture.

 

The abundance of paper is even more apparent during the December holidays. I still get toy catalogs in the mail, but now they tend to be electronics, photography, and hobby related. Corrugated boxes are delivered to my porch, protecting the precious gifts I’ve ordered online. And then Christmas wrapping paper and adhesive tape are essentials (as is facial tissue during the cold and flu season, and let’s not forget toilet paper).

 

I’ve begun receiving Christmas cards and letters, and might actually get a few sent myself, although it seems this tradition is harder to maintain in recent years. For cold-weather comfort, there are boxes of chocolates and teabags or coffee filters for warm drinks.

 

To pay for all the gifts, I occasionally still use paper currency and, less often, checks. And, although bill paying is increasingly managed online, I still receive an over-abundance of bills and statements by mail.

 

Paper’s uses are evolving. Demand has fallen in some markets and technology has created new alternatives to supplant product mainstays such as newsprint and book paper.

 

If I were 20 years old, I likely would have less affection for paper, in all its forms. But I’m not, and I do have a fondness for paper. And no matter what your age, opening a present wrapped in brightly colored paper is a wonderful experience.

 

Happy holidays to all.