Working the Paper or Letting the Paper Work for You

I'm still working on scrapping my Christmas pictures from last year, with a little help from Shimelle's Pretty Paper Party class. This prompt was about using kraft cardstock, paired with various shades of one color.  I chose five different red patterned papers, plus red cardstock to use on this layout of my son Henry and his cousin Cristina (who loves him but refuses to call him by his name - she refers to him as "the boy").  I really like how it turned out. It's a bit different for me - it's a one page layout and is not as simple as my typical page. It also took a fairly long time to complete.  I really had to work the paper to get it how I wanted it.
When I was done, I made this layout in about five minutes:

I scrapped the (few) pictures I took on Christmas Eve with Paul's family.  And I like this layout, too!  For this layout, I let the paper do the work for me because of the finished or complete nature of its pattern.  I don't use papers like this very often, but maybe I will look for more of them in the future. 
What about you? Do you work your papers or let your papers work for you?
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Today I am grateful for some new parents on the soccer team who are stepping up to help out and a goofy dog who makes me smile (as Paul says, "every circus needs a clown).