As a practical person – I do think of myself that way – Christmas can be overwhelming. I like finding gifts under the tree that are useful. I know how annoying it can be to be given something that ends up in the trash can. Often, real estate agents will come up with adorably useless things, and I wanted to avoid that trap. I wish I could say I came up with the Christmas Paper Project, but like a lot of good ideas, I didn’t. I actually heard about it on the Tim and Julie Harris Real Estate Podcast. If you are a new agent – or any agent, actually – I would definitely recommend listening. Whenever I need to get motivated, I listen, which has become a daily dose of inspiration.
Their idea of the gift being “wrapping paper” is kind of brilliant to me. You know how little kids end up loving the box the toy came in more than the toy? There has to be value to everything that you do as an agent, otherwise it’s just an empty gesture. That is best piece of advice I can give any new agent. Make sure you are adding value to the lives of the people who you serve. Those that don’t end up in the trash. I personally have had plenty of moments when a roll of extra wrapping paper is a real Christmas miracle that has saved the day. This wrapping paper gift, although very useful, isn’t the gift. For me, this job is more than contracts and closings; it’s about the friendships you make as you walk with them through one of the most stressful times of their lives – selling and buying their home. Something simple and surprisingly meaningful, like delivering rolls of Christmas wrapping paper to friends, neighbors, and past clients, seemed like exactly what I needed to do.
But I didn’t expect it to turn into one of the highlights of my season. A quick doorstep drop turned into catching up in the driveway, seeing remodeled kitchens, and hearing life updates that don’t fit into a text message. I got multiple hugs today. I even randomly ran into my brother’s best friend, and we caught up after many years. Yes, he did get a roll too. Real estate gives me the privilege of walking into people’s lives during big transitions, and this project let me step back in during the quiet, joyfully real moments too.
There’s something special about handing someone a small gift and realizing maybe it opens the door to a shared memory? Some of these families trusted me with their first home. Some sold a home full of history. No matter the story, reconnecting reminded me exactly why I love what I do right here in the Pensacola and coastal Alabama communities. I love it because I end up caring about my clients deeply.
The wrapping paper itself is just a roll of color and patterns – not expensive, not even unique. But the intention behind it is what matters; the usefulness is what matters too. It’s a reminder that I am here to help, to be useful, even the night before Christmas when you run out of wrapping paper, maybe I will save you that miserable trip to Target?
If I missed you this year, don’t worry – I am not done! I’ll be out and about all month, spreading a little Christmas cheer, fa la la la-ing, and dropping off more rolls as I go. If you’d like to be part of my project, just contact me and I’ll stop by your house too, even if we’ve never worked together. I am happy to. And if you ever need anything real estate related, from a quick market question – you know I love talking about that – to a full strategy session discussing the pros and cons of moving now or later, I’m always here for you.
Wishing you joy, warmth, and beautifully wrapped gifts this season.
Miriam Rogers, Poppy Properties