Now we all know the story of Christmas, and how it came to pass. But what happens after Christmas each year is the question I must now ask. What happens to the dolls on the shelves or the tree in the den? The wrapping and ribbons? The bows and the holly? And what of the mistletoe may I add? Well this is the story, maybe just a tale, of what happens after Christmas to all of the things we deck our halls with each year.
"I can't believe it's over!" Wailed small Tina, who was only three (and a half she would always say), "Must Christmas be over and the candles be put out? Where will they go? How will they be safe? Oh, Mommy, can't you please let them stay out?"
"Tina, baby, you know that Christmas isn't all year. They will go in the attic and come out again next Christmas."
"But, Mommy, they will get all dusty and icky! It is a whole year. They could even get sick! Don't you remember TOY STORY?" Tina was at this point fuming with rage. How could her mother do such a thing as to lock them away? Wasn't it imprisonment? Considered insane?
Just then there was a very loud thump at the door and some rattling and ringing to follow. Key in hand, Molly, Tina's 17 year old cousin scampered through the door carrying in a gallon of milk, a jug of orange juice, three bags of vegetables, and a trey with some kind of meat on it. But another person followed her abnormally through the door, dragging lugging behind him a photography case, that looked like a suitcase, and Molly's purse, that was strapped onto the case with large black zip ties. The man was too young to be out of school, and looked about Molly's age. Molly had said she had a boy friend, but she didn't tell them any thing more. This boy was tall and skinny with dark olive skin and thick black hair. He looked so familiar, but Tina didn't from where.
"Molly! What on earth are you doing here? Don't you have school?" Margaret (who is Tina's mother), asked angry that she brought someone home who she didn't recognize.
"Aunt Margret, it is good to see you again. I'm sorry I missed Christmas. Classes started again today, but I was sent out on a project for art. Mind if I steel Tina for some pictures?"
With this Tina bolted over and her mother just nodded in answer. Molly, the boy, and Tina went out to a snowy field for the photo shoot. The snow was knee deep for Tina, who was waddling through the snow dressed in thick winter boots, tights, leggings, a dress, and a heavy, pink and purple, winter coat.
"Mommy is gunna have everything put away by the time we get home." Tina said in a hushed voice tword the end of the photo shoot.
"Probably. But don't worry you will see them next year." Molly walked over to the car in search of something forgotten.
"You know, those things you decorated with are going to keep celebrating all year right? But they can't party when we are watching. They are ready to be put away so that the can play," Molly's boyfriend said when he saw Tina's disappointment.
"Promise we aren't just locking them away?"
"I promise."
When Tina got home she helped her mother close the last box of decorations and put it away. In a squeaky little voice Tina said her last good bye, and could have sworn that as she was closing the attic door she could hear everything coming back out to play.
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