Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Are you a Peeker?

It's that time of year when our houses are brimming with presents for our families and ourselves. Which brings me to my question, Do you peek into your presents? Now I must tell you right off the bat that I am a reformed peeker. I come from a very distinguished family of peekers (all extended though...see how I distance myself from them now).

Growing up I could find the presents that my parents hid within days of it being brought into the house. I would pillage through the closet, crawl through the attic and even unlock the camping trailer all to get to the unknown presents calling my name. Naturally my mom soon became aware of my little problem and decided that she would start to wrap the presents. Little did she know that it only slowed me down that first year.

I became so good at unwrapping and rewrapping presents that no one ever really believed that I had peeked. They would tape entire edges of the wrapping paper and then look for evidence of my peeking. They never could see it though. Yet whenever they quizzed me about what was in the present, I could always tell them. Right down to the size and color.

I had such a problem peeking that when I finally did finish peeking at all my presents I was sad that I couldn't peek anymore. So I did what any little sister would do. I started peeking in my brothers presents and then rewrapping them. And again my family didn't really believe me when I claimed to know what was in his presents as well. But one Christmas morning as I handed out presents to everyone I proved it once and for all. I was able to tell them not just what was in my presents but what was in everyone's presents under the tree. Yes as you can most definitely tell, I had a serious peeking problem. So I decided to peek no more.

And I didn't for a very long time. But when Hubs and I were dating I told him about my peeking problem. And of course he didn't believe me. So naturally he had to test me. Once again I had to brush off my old rusty peeking skills (which really weren't that rusty)and I proved to him how great I was at peeking. He had double wrapped my present thinking he was sneaky but even he was impressed that I had peeked and re double wrapped the present without a trace.

So here I am today, years after my last peeking challenge by Hubs and I can completely and honestly say that I am not a peeker. I guess I have gotten old and the challenges just weren't enough for me. Now I actually look forward to being surprised Christmas morning because that really happens all to seldom. But I guess that since technically I still wrap most of the presents I do know the majority of the gifts under the tree.

7 comments:

Ritsumei said...

I'm impressed. I can never get the tape off without leaving a mark when I'm wrapping my own gifts, so I never did try the whole peeking thing.

Kellan said...

I was exactly the same way when I was a kid - I'd peek at all my own gifts just like you described and then I'd also peek at my brother's and sister's gifts - I was a very skilled peeker. I don't know if my kids do this or not - I hope not - I think it ruins some of the thrill - don't you? Take care. Kellan

Anonymous said...

I did peek a few times in high school, but not much. Now, I don't need to peek because I know what is in 99% of the presents!

Sunny said...

That is too funny! I'm somewhat of a reformed peeker myself (but you took it to a whole new level! I'm impressed!). Only now I can usually find out what I'm getting ahead of time, so no need to go thru the trouble of peeking!

nicole said...

I have never been a peeker. I love the anticipation and surprise. That is almost better than the actual gift sometimes. Plus, I would have felt terribly guilty (it's the Catholic in me).

Anonymous said...

I too am a reformed peeker. I can open a present and re-wrap it without anyone knowing..LOL I quit doing this years ago though and now threaten my children with all gifts going back if they peek..haha

Texan in Carolina said...

Funny story, reminds me of my sister when she had peeked and thought she was getting a robe from Victoria's Secrets for her Anniversary because she had found a receipt.