We gather the boxes
and haul them upstairs.
Spread paper and cartons and lights
across every flat surface.
The ornaments, the tree, the candles, the creche —
Everything is placed just so.

We smile.
For the cat has offered the final say;
“Your creche needs a cat.”
Of course it does.
We forgot to gather the cat.

Advent is here.
Now Christmas can come.