Two elves preside over a post-Christmas meeting with the Mr. and Mrs. Santa quorum and mice delegation in attendance.

That’s how it appeared as I methodically removed the ornaments from their perches on the Christmas tree. Epiphany has passed (and trash night is tonight.) It’s the after-Christmas ritual I dread.

Our cats Murphy and Duffy have found a new favorite spot, on the quilt underneath the tree, where the tree water must be replenished frequently as they prefer it to their water bowl.

The room will seem bigger, if not a bit empty, without the girth of a tree we have grown accustomed to. It no longer surprises me as I round the corner. Every morning we turn on its lights to dispel the darkness.

When the last pine needle is swept up and the furniture moved back to its proper place, I’ll round the corner and be able to see the clock on the wall again, and remember a beautiful evergreen gift.

Erin O’Brien

Warwick