The story

Nick stands beside the Christmas tree with his coat over one arm. Above him, a miniature sleigh passes the same ornament again. He watches it disappear behind the branches, then return. Marnie has already put her gloves on. Bram is holding the door.

“He’s been round three times,” Marnie says. Nick gives the little driver a sympathetic nod. “Parking.” The sleigh continues its circuit. Nick studies the tree from a second angle, as though a better space might become available behind the ribbon. Marnie quietly takes the coat from his arm and hangs it back up.

Bram closes the door. The three of them watch another lap in comfortable silence. Nick reaches for a cookie. “We should give him a minute.” He sounds entirely reasonable. Marnie takes a cookie too. The departure time has become a suggestion.

Room for the route

A circling sleigh topper makes movement the focal point of a decorated tree. Before choosing one, compare its mounting instructions with your tree’s top and leave room for the full moving assembly. Check the stated dimensions, power supply and cable reach. Keep nearby ornaments clear, and think about where you will store the topper once the tree comes down.