Oh, dear! What to do? As newcomers in this neighborhood, we want to fit in and be in sync with those who live so closely around us. Unfortunately, my husband, Chris claims that our backyard Christmas decoration, which I designed and he painfully executed, looks like Aliens laid large eggs in one of our trees. Not quite what I had intended. I do not believe this generates syncing with those around us.
By chance, have we accidentally invited beings from outer space to come for a visit? Have we created a gang symbol? If so, what will be expected as our initiation into the group? On the other hand, maybe our creative work will be recognized as a symbol of world peace — maybe intergalactic peace. Regardless of interpretation, our decoration does not seem “Christmasy”. Wise men will not be tempted to arrive with frankincense and myrrh.
We both worked hard to create this exhibit. Chris wanted to buy more clear lights. I frugally insisted on using what we had from previous holidays. Did I care that the lights didn’t match? “No, not at all,” I insisted. This sweet man always does his best to do what I want, so up the ladder, he gamely trudged with lights and extension cords in tow. Wanting to be helpful, I climbed an adjacent ladder to assist with winding the large eggs — bulbs around the tree. Even at the time of creation, it looked strange. Neighbors watched silently across the fence.
“Don’t worry, I consoled. It will look better when it gets dark,” It got dark. I gazed out the window and laughed. Now, morning light reveals our creation in its full tackiness. Do we take it down? Do we leave it up for the bemusement of neighbors and friends? Does the fact that the lights change colors every few seconds make any difference?
This Christmas will be our first in a neighborhood where houses sit so close together that our backyard decorations will be seen by all. We thought that making a good impression for the holidays might be a friendly way to go. Perhaps, we can still achieve this goal if we change the exhibit a little each day. “Let’s keep the neighbors wondering.”
I think I’ll go back to the idea that we formed a world peace symbol.