The Spirit of Decorating

by Mia Cope

It’s decorating time. Seems like everyone is doing it. Look at this ginormous decorated Christmas tree I discovered on one of my university walks. I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who knows about it.

(Daddy doesn’t let me get too close to this particular decoration since trees present me with unique opportunities that he’s pretty sure the university people would frown on.)

I hang out in Daddy’s study at home while he’s away. It’s quiet in there and Daddy has a number of books on his shelves — although no elves. I find that odd this time of the year given the seeming popularity of Elf-on-a-Shelf activities. Daddy is not fully engaged in the spirit of decorating.

I leave his books alone, but I do like to listen to his old-fashioned radio that is always tuned to NPR. I think that stands for National Puplick Radio. Indeed, all of the content seems to be very dog friendly. And the people are very nice during Pledge Week. I’ve called in numerous times just to chat. We just laugh and laugh over stories I tell them about Daddy.

NPR recently had a program about Christmas decorations and there was a short feature on those elves on the shelves. They talked mostly about the tradition behind Christmas trees and lights and ornaments.

Just before Thanksgiving this year, I saw Momma and Daddy out front “decorating.” The main attraction was Daddy on a ladder trying to wrap the porch columns with tiny colored lights. Momma helped Daddy keep the wires straight. She told me confidentially that her main objective was making sure Daddy didn’t fall off the ladder.

Daddy muttered constantly the whole time, which seems to be an integral part of his decorating tradition. But very soon, all of the wires and lights were up. It all seemed a little chaotic to me. Momma said it would be okay because Daddy is an unconventional decorating artist and most of our neighbors are very forgiving of unconventionality.

When Daddy turns on the lights at night, a great transformation occurs. It’s almost magical. I often sit, mesmerized by the unconventional magicality.

When I look at those lights, I have to admit that I’m really proud of Daddy’s work and very grateful for Mom’s special touch. And some nights are especially wonderful. Those are the nights that God adds his own lights.

May all of your decorating, whether large or small, be blessed by the spirit of decorating in this special season!