It’s that time of year again. I can tell because the garage door is up, and it’s pretty chilly in here. The box I am stored in has been taken off the shelf and is now on the floor. It’s testing day for the others and myself. I have to say I get a little anxious and a bit unstrung over this. I was pretty exhausted at the end of the show last year. Although I made it through, I wasn’t sure I would have enough brightness to finish the job. After being rolled up for the past several months, I think I am recharged and ready, as they say, for “another season.” We will see as the testing begins.
I don’t think a few of the others are going to make it this year. We come back out each year, and I am struck by how many of us don’t light up again. That always means there will be change. Change for sure heightens my anxiety and makes me nervous. I get scared that the new holiday decorating trends will take my place and make me obsolete. I’ve seen what happens to the older generation. Some of it, before its time, gets put in the garbage and taken away. Some of it gets banished to a box labeled “extras,” which then gets put back on the highest shelf, usually never to be seen again. But, enough of my negative energy. This year, I want to be on the receiving end of the positive.
Okay, it looks like it’s getting closer to my testing time. The box is nearly empty, and only a few of us are left. I can tell I am not totally in my element. I think my filaments are fine; I just need a little tweaking. It happens to several of us after being cooped up for so long. You would think that someone would take the time to check on me sometime during the year, but no. It’s not until the last minute that I am needed when I am required to shine immediately. Ah, I see the others getting a little twist and turn before the string is plugged into the socket. I know there is hope for me now.
I want to stay in the same position I was in last year because having to change my blinking pattern can be very unnerving. Also, establishing my timing with a newer generation can be challenging too. Can you imagine going from the beat of the Beatles or the Everley Brothers to the raps of Snoop Dog or M and M? Just thinking about it makes me want to expire.
Oh, okay, so here we go. It’s plug-in time. My string is in place: “1, 2, 3, ta-da! HOORAY! I’m a brilliant red glow!
Starlight, star bright…Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night!”