DON'T CLOSE THE BOX

            I held it in my arms, carefully aiming us both toward the stairs leading to the basement where all Christmas items would nestle until next winter.  The globe was heavy and awkward to hold, artificial snow falling with the slightest movement I made.  It had been positioned in the middle of the kitchen table since the day after Thanksgiving; the table designated as the “children’s table” during family get-togethers. For some reason, I decided to stop and set it down once more on the kitchen table, to take a final look at it before stowing it away.

            The sculpture shows Santa Claus in his workshop talking on a wall hanging telephone much like the ones you’d expect to find in old time country stores.  On the other side of the wall, a scene is revealed of a girl in her nightgown talking into a duplicate of Santa’s phone.  She is standing in front of a fireplace; her slippers off her feet and in front of the hearth.  A dog is on the mantle, sitting on its hind legs.  A Christmas tree unites both sides of the two scenes and the floor and wall are tilted much like an amusement ride ready to roll.  Wrapped presents and toys and decorated trees festoon the base from under which the key lies, that when wound, the tune “We Wish You a Merry Christmas" plays.”   

            I must admit that I have questions, such as why the girl took her slippers off to talk on the telephone and who lets their dog do tricks on their fireplace mantle?  Why is the scene set up to look like a Tilt-A-Whirl?  I’m getting the point now!  Put the decorations away and don’t think about it until, if I’m so blessed, next year. 

            Down comes the tree.  Ornaments are put away.  Special plates and linens are cleaned and wrapped and go back to a safe place until we need them again.  This year’s good tidings and joy – will they be put away as well?  Do we only “love our neighbor” when we exchange holiday cookies once a year or show an act of kindness to those who have had it a lot tougher than we have recently? 

            This has been a rough year for a lot of us and I for one am hoping for better things to come in 2013.  People say that the world is crumbling around us; civilization is being destroyed, both morally and financially.  Our country is being run by politicians and not by men and women with the strength and aptitude to govern responsibly.  Maybe they’re right.  Maybe we should give up and surrender to the dark side.  Complain another year of our lives away; grumble that nothing can be fixed.  Hunker down with like minded individuals who also grumble and complain. 

One way or another, life goes on.  We must continue to make things right in this country.  We must not forget what is right and that this is what we must continue to believe in and to teach the next generation.  We need to try to work together as a nation because division does not bring strength to any cause.  Working together involves caring for each other.  Caring for each other brings strength.  Strength brings unity.  Maybe we should put away the decorations and keep the good feelings that they give us outside the box where they belong, all the time. 

Happy New Year everyone!

Sharon