Sunday, 8 September 2024

The Islands in the Bay – Chapter (023) Deck the Halls

 


The next day was December the 1st and a much brighter day so they got George to help put up the Christmas decorations, George elected to do the outside, which was good news for Danny because he didn’t have a head for heights, hanging the garlands was as much height as he wanted and even then he let Molly stand on the steps and he handed her the decorations.

“I love Christmas decorations.” Danny said.

“Me too” she said, “But I’ve never put them up before.”   

“What, never?” he asked with surprise.

“Never” she confirmed.

“Why not?” he asked.

“As I said before we never put decorations up at Lakeside” she said.

“What about the tree?”

“Well, the whole household decorated the tree, the day before Christmas Eve, and we all had our own special ornaments, that we put on.”

“And before that?”

“Well, Rebecca the housekeeper and her husband Ross put up the wreaths and holly, we all had our own Advent calendars that we put up at the beginning of the month” She explained.

“But Grandfather wouldn’t have coped with this many decorations.”

“I don’t understand that” Danny said, “Do you think maybe it made him feel sad, reminding him of a happier time, I suppose that would make me feel sad.”

“I don’t know really” she mused “You could be right.”

“But you love decorations?” He asked.

“Oh yes”

“And you love these decorations?” he asked.

“Oh yes, they’re special because we bought them together.”

“They make you feel happy? he asked.

“Very” she replied, “I wonder….”

“What?”

“Do you think it may be because I remember subconsciously when I was a child in this cottage?” she asked.

“That’s possible” he said, “Because it gives you a connection to your mum.”

“I know” she agreed and beamed a radiant smile.

 

When they were finished the cottage was generously decorated and they were incredibly pleased with the result.

There were coloured lights, candles, novelty ornaments, garlands, tinsel, bells, stars, and baubles everywhere.

“Goodness me” Molly exclaimed when Danny switched the main light off so they could get the full effect.

In deference to her tradition of not decorating the tree until the 23rd they left it until later,

Danny always went overboard with the decs at Christmas, so he was keeping up the tradition and he was pleased that Molly was as enthusiastic as he was.

“When do we have to take them down?” Molly asked.

“Not before the 6th of January” he replied.

“Awesome” she said, “Let’s go and see how George is getting on?”

“Haven’t you finished hanging those lights yet?” Danny asked.

“I’ll hang you up if you’re not careful.” George retorted.

“We’ll give you a hand” Molly offered.

“I’ll hold the ladder.” Danny said.

“Wimp” Molly teased.

“It seems he can only write about the hero” George said, and he and Molly roared with laughter.

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