The Season of Love

My momma always said, "Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

This famous movie line by Forrest Gump has etched its way into the consciousness of many since the movie bearing the same name as the lead character made its debut in 1994. But long before that, chocolate has always been the most popular gift item in addition to being a favorite bite now and then.

So it’s not surprising that we received a variety of chocolate during this festive season when gift exchange is at the top of everyone’s mind. And more, as borne out by the image below.

The stack of gifts, featuring a range of merchandise. The ribboned multi-storeyed boxes on the right, housing various sweet goodies of The Popcorn Factory, are from Brian and CY, guarded by the mascot of the home perched atop.

We seldom pay attention to the wrappers that come with gift items. The outside package perhaps, but definitely not the individual wrappers encapsulating the items within. However, some of us are more discerning, and do pay heed to little details, like those inside the box of Baci chocolate, a product of Italy, as noted by CE.

This is on the front, two wrapped chocolates placed on the left and the opened wrappers, at the top.

This is the inside flap, chocolate wrapped in love literally (as in words), and symbolically (the two chocolates seated on opposite corners).

Each individual chocolate wrapper contains a popular saying, centered around the universal theme of love. Therefore, in addition to enjoying the mouth-watering delights, one is also immersed in the gushing flow of love evoked by the laconic statements on relationships. Creativity is in the air, as it unfolds in a box of chocolate, pleasant surprises unraveled, a fitting analogy for life.

Here are some samples:

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength; loving someone deeply gives you courage.
Lao –Tzu, Chinese Philosopher

To love a person is to learn the song in his/her heart.
Anonymous

He who gives immediately gives twice.
Proverb

The most praise-worthy deeds are those that remain hidden.
Blaise Pascal, French mathematician

Love is sudden revelation, a kiss is always a discovery.
Oscar Wilde, Irish playwright/poet

We’ve spoken a lot about love. Now lets’ try to listen to it, shall we?
Anonymous