Yesterday the bucket truck was back in Oysterville and Dan Switzler was busy removing the gigantic snowflakes from the trees. Like many such endeavors, the decorations came down much faster than they went up back in early December. And this time, Bradley was off doing other things while Dan worked his solitary way from tree-to-tree on Territory Road. Well, not totally solitary. He had plenty of kibitzers.
The original plan was to leave the snowflakes up until early January. I’m not sure if it was a matter of coordinating schedules or if Dan and Bradley actually listened to the pleas of us Oystervillians. We loved the gentle glow the snowflakes provided on these dark winter nights – the only ‘street lights’ in the village. As far as I know, none of us full-time residents wanted them to go away.
I did hear, second-hand, that there was a bit of grumbling from one of my Red House cousins. I’m not sure what his objection was – perhaps it was simply a matter of “it had never been done before.” For my part, though, I hope those glistening snowflakes become a winter tradition. I loved them!
I’m certainly not advocating that the village dress up for every occasion. I think we can safely leave that bit of kitsch to that house outside of Raymond on Highway 101. But I do like the tasteful nods to the season that Bradley and Dan often provide. Spring daffodils are popping up along the verges as we speak, drawing attention away from the vestiges of Halloween pumpkin remains.
But with the removal of the snowflakes, Christmas in Oysterville is officially over… until the next one when who knows what magical delight will present itself. Please may it involve snowflakes…
And when I think of all the times I’ve been in the village since last Christmas, but never looked up high enough to notice them still there! Of course, I was there during the day, and I forgot about them, but still…