‘How can I help?’ I turn around to face my saviour with the perfect I-know-everything-about-baubles smile on.
‘I wondered what you knew about Christmases in days gone by. I’m looking for a traditional Christmas in my home this year, one with a historical bent, but these things are all so pretty it’s hard to focus.’
‘Oh, isn’t it. I know exactly what you mean.’ Thank you, CFG, I mutter up a prayer. ‘I think as tempting as these are, if we head over here you can see the more traditional decorations. Back in the Tudor times they would bring in all the evergreen from outside, the fir and the pine, the holly and the ivy, mistletoe. In fact, the first recorded decorated tree in England was in the fifteenth century but it wasn’t until the nineteenth century we adopted the German tradition of bringing the whole tree inside.’ The woman looks genuinely interested. ‘Up until the tree became commonplace most houses would have the kissing bough, a ball made from evergreens and mistletoe. I think if you go for a theme as green as possible and maybe don’t use tinsel or too many baubles, then you should be fine. These pinecones here, and maybe these mini green decorated trees, would be perfect. And if you had the time and wanted to, you could thread popcorn for your tree. I do that and it’s ever so soothing. Christmas movie on the TV, glass of wine and a bowl full of popcorn to thread. Although, of course we also have these pinecone garlands over here…’
‘Oh yes, those would be perfect. And what about these here…’ The woman points to more inside a little gift box.
‘Yep, you can’t go wrong with pinecones,’ I say trying not to blanch at the price tag. I usually nip to Greenbank cemetery to collect my cones and then add a bit of ribbon saved from the beautifully wrapped presents Luisa gives me for my birthday and Christmas each year. But as much as I long to tell her this, I’m fairly convinced that will probably count against me landing the job. And this is clearly one of the best jobs ever. I’ve had enough self-sabotage for the day; this one I’m going to try and keep.
I like this place,
And could willingly waste my time in it
December Ninth.
Belle.
I thought I saw you selling Christmas last night in Bath. You must have a twin. As frightening as that is.
Iwas so whacked last night that I didn’t hear my phone beep with Rory’s message. I had arrived home and fallen into bed, pleased with my efforts because before I had left, the manager had taken me to one side, said I was a natural and definitely had the job. Huzzah!
However, now I jump up and get dressed – still seven layers, but not necessary as a safety precaution anymore. It looks mild outside. A stark contrast to yesterday when I nearly lost my ears to the freezing winds.
No twin. The world couldn’t get that luckyI start to type and then delete the last bit because what if he thinks I mean it? I’m well aware that one evening being the Queen of Christmas-decoration-selling did not really make up for my many, many flaws. The world definitely does not need two Belle Wildes.
No twin. If you mean you saw me in the decoration shop – I got a new job! Two actually AND a school booking. Some elf magic must have rubbed off because yesterday was a great day.
Two jobs. No way. Well done.
Shot straight back. Why is he up this early? Does he have a secret cleaning job too?
The phone beeps again.
This doesn’t mean you’ll be too busy to do the Shakespeare project does it?
Nope. That is still my number one reason for life. Do not fret. One job is a couple of hours a day, cleaning just around the corner from me, the other is in the shop two/three shifts a week so plenty of time left over.
Congratulations! Do you fancy meeting up for a celebratory drink later?
Ooh, I could. I’m not due in the shop until tomorrow. And now I have two jobs one drink isn’t going to break the bank. Ah, but actually. How about…
I am free. But I have a better idea. As part of your Christmas project, I’m going to set you homework. I took you to a Christmas themed treat on Monday, you have to think of a reasonably priced, preferably free, Christmas activity we can do tonight.
My phone starts beeping so frantically I wonder if it’s having a stroke.
Oh
My
God
We
Are
No
Longer
