There is a Hallmark Christmas ornament, Cool Fliers, that is always the last to go on our tree, not because of tender or nostalgic reasons, but because it is very difficult to hang. The tree decoration consists of two ornaments, one a small snowwoman, the other a snowman. Both are on a trapeze, arms extended. You have to hang each individually, but position them at the exact distance required to hook their hands. Often, once you get them lined up and connected, they come apart.
It is delicate work, and my patience is thin by the time only one ornament remains. My back hurts, my fingers smell like they have been dipped in metal plating and I am usually sweating. It is a real Hallmark movie scene.
And so I call in the man whose hands I have been holding for three decades. After experiencing the same frustration as me for varying amounts of time from year-to-year, he completes the perfect catch.
Our relationship is not flawless. But since we shook hands when we were introduced on a blind date over 30 years ago, we have tried not to let the other fall. But if one does, outstretched hands will immediately appear.
Maybe this annual final addition to our Christmas tree is a sentimental tradition after all.
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