Wrapping

It always seemed to be the older folks who wanted to save the wrapping paper. Not all of them, but a few, who wanted significant care taken when removing the paper from presents. This would allow it to be taken home, saved, and eventually reused.

Which didn't seem to make any sense to those below a certain age. Paper was there to be ripped off. While being festive, and concealing the contents of the presents, it also was inexpensive. Tape had been used to attach segments, and that wasn't easily removed, anyway. Even if the paper was treated carefully, additional processing would be needed to make the product usable again - more time spent on a low-value result.  Even after all that, it would be limited for use to presents smaller than those previously used. What could possibly make such behavior worthwhile?

Certainly, something similar to the Great Depression could change inputs to a Buy or Reuse decision, which would align with those "older folks" trying to save and reuse. And the truth is, I have found myself trying to save more paper as I have become older. As an economic decision, this has made more sense since the 2008 banking crisis, but the original reason was probably more about environmental impact: reusing the paper so it didn't end up in a landfill for the next million years. 

Still, despite these personal impressions that  Crisis has made this behavior normal again,  it's still not uncommon for folks today to unwrap presents with abandon and toss the paper in the trash without a second thought.  Perhaps it's not a Crisis indicator, after all.