Maybe with an axe
Perhaps there is a firm we can call. Specialists in getting guests that have overstayed the welcome to move along. As the days grow longer, my stress level rises. What to do?
We’re living with an “elephant in the room”. A reminder of happier times. Our Christmas tree is still standing, and the hints, the cajolation, the outright offers to pay for the service have (so far) been ignored by the younger half of the household. The problem will grow into an embarrassment, even if the species is “synthetic”.
The root of the process was filled with anticipation. The decorations flew out of the storage boxes, finding random landing sites and increasing the emotional value of the tree with each motion. This was a physical manifestation of a metaphysical moment. A happy moment in our community.
And then, we (meaning the older half of the family) returned to our professional roles in society. No more time. And for those who have been called (see above), the effort to défaire is much harder than the effort to faire. Each decoration has a place to spend the next few seasons. Each string of lights must be packed for posterity. Thankfully, we no longer use icicles; that was an environmental nightmare.
Right now, I can see clearly… the tree. Forget the TV. Forget the family area. At least the electricity has been disconnected. But when, oh when, will the first sign of spring appear? A clearing in the living room.
I suppose we’ll know if there’s an earthquake. Gravity will take that sucker down!
