"O, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive."
Sir Walter Scott
Sir Walter was talking about deceptions that get all tangled up such that we can't remember our storyline. Not all tangles are created equal, but a tangle is still a tangle. It's a bit of a mystery how lights can become twisted and knotted while they're asleep in the attic, but Darryl's mess is all too familiar. The Christmas Tangle. Here's a clue. Lights that are hurriedly pulled off the tree and tossed, willy-nilly, into a box, become bezoars. (This is a word my family loves and uses liberally. thus far, only metaphorically.)
This year, when your tree goes dark, spend a few minutes carefully putting the strands to bed so that next year, when you next cue the lights, there is no tangled web, and better yet, no need practice to deceive.
Note: I knew the comics told truths, but I'm surprised by how often the truth they tell reminds me of my Rules. Handle it once. Curate your collection. A place for everything and everything in its place. Mistakes happen- admit, move on and don't make it again.