Well, it finally happened. I probably jinxed it when I mentioned in part two of the Christmas tour that “we are keeping our fingers crossed that they are more civilized this year.” On the very day of the tour I turned my back for a minute and heard a commotion from the family room — and that’s when the unraveling began.
I always set things up neatly for the holidays, but before we even get to Christmas the ornaments are knocked off the tree, woodland figurines end up decapitated with stuffing scattered everywhere, garland is pulled down the stairway, and there are two guilty pups wearing bits of the aftermath in their fur. Today I watched Lily midair as she leapt into the tree to grab another little animal. Why? It’s not like they don’t have toys. Later I found her playing with a white woodland ornament, launching it from her mouth like a ball. Definitely not okay.
EXHIBIT A: The Remains of an Innocent Woodland Ornament
Exhibit B: Cedar Garland Torn Down from the Stairway
Evidence: Two Guilty Pups
Update: This just in…
And also, this unfortunate discovery today:
PS. Those felt and bottle-brush ornaments are on sale at West Elm right now. If you decide to get them, keep them far away from curious pets — their appeal is obvious to the four-legged holiday decorators in our house.
You can read more about how small setbacks sometimes bring unexpected gifts in my piece on The Gift in the Unraveling, published today on (in)courage.
Holiday mishaps happen — here are a few past favorites to remind you that we’re not alone:
This is {not} Glamorous – Thanksgiving 2007
The Unraveling {2011}
The Garland and Starfish Incident {2011}