The Christmas Mystery

For reasons unbeknownst to me, I could NOT wait to get the Christmas tree up this year.  I'd told Big Daddy to get ready, because the Saturday after Thanksgiving, as soon as I got home from work, we were going to get our tinsel on.

Saturday afternoon, my mom texted saying she needed a look-shopping partner, so Operation Twinkle Lights was postponed. Which in hindsight turned out to be a good thing because apparently our pre-lit tree and the 87 stands of lights we have previously used went on strike and refused to work. He texted his request for me to purchase more lights just as we pulled out of Old Time Pottery.

(Not to be confused with Pottery Barn.)

Last year's tree, before the lights went up in arms demanding
union representation and better insurance. 

Last year, I may have had a nervous breakdown and subsequently gave Goodwill nearly 1/3 of my Christmas collection. So imagine my surprise when I started opening totes to start decorating and didn't recognize things and how they were organized. I'm not sure what happened, but one thing is certain: I didn't pack up last year's festivities.  But that's neither here or there. Whatever went down must have been traumatic and I've blocked it from my memory. Anywho, let's just say, I may have overreacted with the simplifying and streamlining. There wasn't much to spread around.

However, for years, I have wanted candles for the windows, and last year I found these awesome ones at Dollar General of all places. They have a built-in timer and a soft light bulb.

I'll admit to being a bit skeptical at first -- they were only $2 apiece -- but they were everything I'd hoped for.

Scooby-Doo back to this year, and of the 12 I remember buying, I only had 2 packed away. I racked my brain, trying to remember what could have happened, what box must be missing, tucked away behind Easter or something.

Nothing. Big D assured me I must have given them away.

Since we had to go out for lights anyway, we popped in our local Dollar General where I scored the last three. We zipped across town to the other store, but they were out. In the back of my mind, I knew that I had the ones from last year, I just needed to think.

Oddly enough and slightly related, the tree skirt also came up missing. I ALWAYS pack it on top of the ornaments, but it was no where to be found, either. Big D thought somehow it had been packed with the Goodwill stuff. I was still doubtful.

After popping into another Dollar General, and coming up empty, I vaguely remember putting some Christmas stuff in the wash stand that is in our bedroom shorty after everything was packed away. Because, you know, I'll so remember a year from now.

Lo and behold, in the wash stand I found three ornaments (I hadn't even missed--oops), three candles, the tree skirt, and a box of cards I got somewhere for fifty-cents (that's a value!).

It was then I remembered I only bought six candles last year, hence remembering the number 12.

(Six candles times $2 = $12. Get it?)


However, that means I am still missing one. I think.

Please tell me that I am not the only one having this sort of issue. EVERY year, regardless of how carefully I pack, well save last year, obviously, there's ALWAYS a piece or five that doesn't make it to a tote. Seriously? Is it just me? And if I can't pack up a few holiday items, what kind of things have been left behind when we moved?

I have to wonder if my subconscious was at work, telling me I needed to decorate as soon as possible. Because at this rate, I'll be lucky to find everything holiday-related by Christmas Day.



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