Karli's House is Beautiful.

My arm brushed the five-foot-tall, fake Christmas tree, and it whispered a quiet shh. I turned around to face it, making sure that I hadn't damaged it while Karli was upstairs. The Valentine's Day themed ornaments all seemed to be in place, and the tree was still upright. I felt relieved. I'd be heartbroken if I ruined the atmosphere that Karli and her mom had created. Karli's house was always decorated in sync with the upcoming holiday. Heart-shaped twinkle lights covered the fireplace mantle, and each coffee table was drowning in arrow-shaped confetti and bright pink centerpieces. The February-themed version of Karli's house was magical--as if the dreams of every 8-year-old girl had vomited all over the house. Cardboard cutouts of pink teddy bears and cupids stuck to each wall, as well as red, crepe, heart-shaped chains which drooped from the ceiling. I asked Mom why our house wasn't as festive, or why we didn't keep our Christmas tree up year round. She just smiled, as she dusted the boring heirlooms in our china cabinet, and told me that she would try to remember to buy some "beautiful" cardboard decorations for St. Patrick's day.