Oh, the many things that come in tubes!

The tube, however… The tube, is a special invention not always utilized or praised as such.

Think about the tube that protects the $10 poster or priceless fine art: It’s sturdy, easy to carry and makes for a great faux weapon or voice-projecting device afterward. When you ship a tube, you don’t worry that the contents inside are going to be damaged, because the cardboard is a special bionic ultra-condensed material and those plastic end inserts fit so snugly in place that the tape around the outside is just an amusing aside.

When I receive a tube in the mail, in fact, I often feel quite guilty that it is serving such a temporary purpose. I feel I need to re-use the tube in a manner fitting its special heartiness… perhaps as the body of a lamp, a table leg or decorative column outside the home.

I think the tube just has that special something we all search for…. A smooth, hug-able core, no sharp ends, and a surprise tucked safely inside. Things that come in tube-shaped containers tend to be good things overall. Take, for instance, pixy stix.

So, just remember when packing, shipping and receiving all those glorious items in bulky boxes this holiday season… Sure, boxes can be great. But tubes… they never let you down.