decking out the Duff House

first
i just want to say a big

thank you

for all of your prayers
sweet words
and understanding
about the loss of our dog

we are sad but okay
and never underestimate how much it helps
when folks like you
share your concern
for folks like me

now
onto happier things

we're pretty big on tradition
when it comes to Christmas

that's why
every year
on the friday after Thanksgiving
we load up the minivan
and head to our favorite Christmas tree farm
to cut down the perfect tree

strap it to the roof
and haul it home

and despite my best intentions

to get a smaller tree

we end up pickin' one that reaches right up to the ceiling

we haul out the strings of lights

boxes of ornaments

bits and bobbles

to be set about

and voila

the stockings get hung

the rooms get bedecked and bedazzled

and now

Christmas can come

at least

it can come as soon as i finish shopping

hiding

wrapping

posting

and baking

how about you

are your halls decked?