Christmas Fever

This year we had a Christmas decorating contest at my work. It began once I unwrapped our diminutive tree we keep wrapped in a Target shopping bag during the off-season. After I carefully placed it in the same spot we set it every year, I stepped back and gave it a once-over. It looked stark and lonely. Thinking to keep this poor tree company, I added a few tiny fake poinsettias to accompany each side. Now the fever started to rise. I decided we should have a contest. Other foreheads felt the heat. Co-workers hunted their decoration closets like scavengers. Red-and-white lanterns were hung from the pipes in the basement, (my department of cave-dwellers) making us feel quite festive. Wintery village scenes strategically placed on top of a cabinet replaced the untidy mess of envelopes and used toner cartridges. It started to look quite pretty. Other departments joined in, creating magic in their own fashion. A hand-made paper fireplace with a mantle, Twilight ornaments featuring Edward, pale as ever. As the judgement day (not the judgement day) crept closer, competitive spirits burst forth and sprinkled the office with team spirit and camaraderie. Not to mention a few sleepless nights wondering what other trinkets could be borrowed for the office space. A seven-foot blow-up snowman, fake snow for Santa's footprints. After the contest winner was announced, my mind flashed forward to next year. Surveying the work space, my eyes scanned the cabinet height, the floor space, and the electrical system. Hmmm...perhaps a train.