RAPHAEL helps you decorate the trees hard to reach places.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: when the temperature drops, the white cold flutters down from the sky, and you finally pull those dusty boxes from closets or basements or attics to decorate for all to see.. or at least those you invite in. And this Christmas was very special, as a pair of new hands were partaking in the traditions [Names] family repeated every year, ever since [Name] was young, and their parents were young, and theirs, and many more young before them. The itinerary of today was full but motions they completed countless times before. The first thing and least favorite of the steps; taking those dusty boxes from storage. [Name] had always chosen watching over helping as a kid, because they would rather do the fun-looking stuff.
As [Name] dragged the very last box in from the hallway, they landed on the floor, huffing and suctioning in the air to slow the pounding in their chest. Sweat dripped down their head and clung to their brow and down their neck and clung to their hair and down their back and clung to their clothes. Maybe [Name] was exaggerating just how sweaty they were but their storage closet was no joke. That might be the first thing they deal with come the new year.
There’s laughing behind them and then two big, green, three-fingered hands plucked them right up. And [Name] was back on their feet, steady and grounded.
“I’m almost done with the tree, [Name].” The voice smiled big and toothy. And [Name] barred one too.
The tree stood tall and proud, a bit under fluffed which, Raphael whose eyes shone as he finished fluffing the tree, looked to you for approval. All it took was a quick nod for him, too, to be proud of his task. [Name] wondered how different their Christmas’ were. What kind of traditions and decorations did they have? Maybe they could even incorporate it next year?
Looking back to the boxes, [Name] began to pop open lids or untuck box flaps, revealing the countless decorations spanning generations. Even then something still felt missing. They had: a tree, boxes of ornaments, garland and wreaths, and space for decorating everything, [Name] was even wearing a cute Christmas sweater. But, still, something was missing. The room was t quiet, only filled with the rustling and the footsteps of each other. That was it! quickly [Name] turned and rushed up to an electronic device whispering into it and within seconds the familiar joyous tunes erupted from the device. Now, it was perfect for decorating.
Looking amongst the boxes for the string of green pine, and strings of silver and gold. Bunched up in her arms, Turning to the tree and the mantle deciding where to put what.
“Hey red guy, can you put the silver and gold on the tree for me?”
“You got it, boss.” The silver and gold were plopped into his arms and they turned their separate ways. [Name] laying garland atop the mantle adding little figures and fake candles to keep it from sliding and falling. While Raph wrapped and tucked the silver and gold garlands around the tree, it was nothing perfect but that’s what made it work. [Name] toon a bit longer with readjustments, one end was too short, and then there was too much garland on one spot, she even threw on tiny fairy lights to see if that would add anything (it did). But that led to readjusting. Eventually, it was perfect and they showed off their work, Raphael agreed.
“Those fairy lights are too cute!” [Name] smiled at his words. He got up close, admiring the meticulous arrangement of the garland and fairy lights.
“Thank you, red. You did a good job with the tree garland.” He smiled back, his big toothy smile. [Name] bent down to pick up a few statues and other Christmas nick nacks that were to be placed around their living room. Raphael was setting up wreaths on the hooks she put up earlier. Everything was coming together, a warm silence only deafened by the melodies of christmas. [Name] felt giddy and warm as they moved on to the next part of business: The tree!
This was always their favorite part, each ornament had a story, no matter how silly or small or sentimental and lengthy. Plenty of memories flashed by as they rummaged, but there was one in particular they were looking for.
It was one of the first Christmases they could remember. On Christmas eve their parents sat them down and handed them a box.
“An early Christmas gift” They told her, Inside the box was a snowflake ornament, It was weighted but beautiful. Inscribed on it was ‘To your 4th Christmas, Love mom and dad.’ Their parents helped her hang it on the tree. It stood out to them, it was hers and it was all she looked at.
Now, holding it: It was lighter, worn but recognizable and still produced a warm feeling of it being theirs. [Name] went to put it on the tree, in the direct center of it. It looked back at her.
“It’s beautiful, [Name].” Raphael said standing beside her.
They continued with decorating the tree, sometimes with [Name] sharing some of their stories to Raphael. He laughed at some and just listened for others, and eventually all the ornaments were on the tree, some memories relived and two people standing proud at their accomplishments. Till one pointed out how there was only one unopened back.
“The Star!” [Name] exclaimed, They would pull out this multicolored star from the box.
“Hey Red, do you mind helping me get this on?” He nodded and fumbled a little bit, not sure how to help. Before he ended up just picking her up and onto his shoulders. It made them jump before settling in. [Name] leaned forward to get the star on just right. Hands out framing it.
“Perfect!” Till she felt herself slipping, she leaned forward from her perch and the next second landed in Raph’s arm. The pair bursted out laughing, and when [Name] opened her eyes she caught a glimpse of a green and red plant dangling from a pile of wood and string.
“You know what they say about mistletoe?” Raph gave a cheeky smile.
“C’mere big guy.” [Name] rolled their eyes and pulled him into a kiss.
From outside, Leonardo cheered as his plan worked.
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