I agree with Kauri44 above – I think that Brad did not stop to realize that Nancy was taking down last year’s garland, hence Frank having new boxes of garland to put up and Nancy putting her hand over Frank’s mouth to keep him quiet.
.
Also, if you put the ladder up turned 90 degrees from the way it is now, you can be closer to the wall and not have to reach way over the top like Nancy was doing in the first panel.
There’s an adage that goes “If you want to see what the girl you’re dating will look like in 20 years, look as the mother.” (I add “and the aunts, if any.”) If true in this case, whoever snares Luann isn’t going to be disappointed. :o)
Nancy (Mom) hung last year’s garland, thought it looked too worn and told Frank (Dad) to go buy some new ones. As she was taking down the old garland to replace it, Brad walks in and offers to help, feeling good about helping Mom decorate. Mom then muffles Dad as he arrives with the new garland, so as not to hurt Brad’s feelings about helping.Gives the old garland new meaning with Christmas Spirit, doesn’t it?
Before he stepped onto the ladder, why didn’t she just tell him that she had already hung up the garland, didn’t like the way it looked. and could Brad please take it down for her, while Frank is out purchasing a new set? This strip is dependent on situations that would disappear trivially if the characters were willing to communicate with one another. Instead, they create problems by keeping important information to themselves, for absolutely no good reason.
(Sniff, Sniff) Now this is BEAUTIFUL! Here you have a dutiful Son, selflessly Helping and PROTECTING His beloved Mother, from dangers seen an unseen, by Sacrificing His OWN Safety, Happiness, And Well Being, by Putting Himself in “Harm’s Way.” Which in THIS case is getting on that ladder. Imagine! A Son that puts his Mother’s Happiness and Well Being ABOVE his OWN! Truly a Christmas Miracle!
(Oh Waitperson? COFFEE, Please! In fact, COFFEE for everyone here! I’m Sorry, where was I?)
Oh yeah, I forgot. Now, there’s another “Son” in this Strip that pretty much did the SAME Thing this year by Sacrificing Himself for His Mom.
Only difference between the two guys IS, NOBODY is Criticizing Brad for doing it.
I have a thoughtful grown son too, and I know exactly what this panel represents and its basically a Sunday foible with no need for confusion. She is a mom, a wonderful loving mom, which is why Luann and Brad are such basically good-hearted, grounded young people, and she is proud—more so than Brad is just loving and dutiful—that her son is thoughtful and wants to help his mom. That is a beautiful message, and stands all by itself.
I think it’s cool that she is letting Brad have his moment and “help”. I don’t see how people don’t get that she was taking the original garland down. Look at the position of her hands and feet. Her foot is coming down the ladder the movement position of her hands also implies taking down not putting up. If she was putting the garland up she’d be closer to the the top of the ladder and arguably holding more garland on her arm.
It might be Mom (or Dad) put up the old garland and Mom decided it looked worn and old and sent Dad out to get some new. While taking it down, Brad comes in (I never knocked at my parents home even after moving out 45+ years before Mom passed away) and assumes Mom is putting it up.
Templo S.U.D. about 6 years ago
don’t be too prideful of your job, Brad
B UTTONS about 6 years ago
I see folks keeping their Christmas lights up all year round, but holiday garland?
Dirty Dragon about 6 years ago
Everytime I tried to “help” with the decorations, I did it “wrong”. Even though I watched how it was done for about 20 years.
But I’m sure the effort was appreciated ; )
kauri44 about 6 years ago
I’m confused. Was she actually taking down the old garland? If she was putting it up, would Brad not have the energy to put up new ones?
Fiammata about 6 years ago
Now we need training in ‘how to draw’ a raised chin.
Brdshtt Premium Member about 6 years ago
I agree with Kauri44 above – I think that Brad did not stop to realize that Nancy was taking down last year’s garland, hence Frank having new boxes of garland to put up and Nancy putting her hand over Frank’s mouth to keep him quiet.
.
Also, if you put the ladder up turned 90 degrees from the way it is now, you can be closer to the wall and not have to reach way over the top like Nancy was doing in the first panel.
Joe1962 about 6 years ago
I watch for years they told me just to get the decorations down and i was fine with that.
tonypezzano about 6 years ago
So Brad never noticed the old garlands were left all year?
notbornyesterday about 6 years ago
“Pride goeth before a fall” someone said that
Apokalis about 6 years ago
Motherly Love … awww!! Either that or still sheltering Brad from disappointment… He’s a man, he can take it!
Tyge about 6 years ago
There’s an adage that goes “If you want to see what the girl you’re dating will look like in 20 years, look as the mother.” (I add “and the aunts, if any.”) If true in this case, whoever snares Luann isn’t going to be disappointed. :o)
jagedlo about 6 years ago
Glad to see Brad at least show some consideration for his mom in making sure that she didn’t hurt herself and offering to put the garland up himself….
Lenavid about 6 years ago
Nancy (Mom) hung last year’s garland, thought it looked too worn and told Frank (Dad) to go buy some new ones. As she was taking down the old garland to replace it, Brad walks in and offers to help, feeling good about helping Mom decorate. Mom then muffles Dad as he arrives with the new garland, so as not to hurt Brad’s feelings about helping.Gives the old garland new meaning with Christmas Spirit, doesn’t it?
elpasowalt about 6 years ago
Number one, you turn the ladder sideways to the wall so that you don’t have to lean way over, Mr. ladder expert, lol.0
mjb515 about 6 years ago
Why are over at the parent’s house in full uniform?
seismic-2 Premium Member about 6 years ago
Before he stepped onto the ladder, why didn’t she just tell him that she had already hung up the garland, didn’t like the way it looked. and could Brad please take it down for her, while Frank is out purchasing a new set? This strip is dependent on situations that would disappear trivially if the characters were willing to communicate with one another. Instead, they create problems by keeping important information to themselves, for absolutely no good reason.
Mordock999 Premium Member about 6 years ago
(Sniff, Sniff) Now this is BEAUTIFUL! Here you have a dutiful Son, selflessly Helping and PROTECTING His beloved Mother, from dangers seen an unseen, by Sacrificing His OWN Safety, Happiness, And Well Being, by Putting Himself in “Harm’s Way.” Which in THIS case is getting on that ladder. Imagine! A Son that puts his Mother’s Happiness and Well Being ABOVE his OWN! Truly a Christmas Miracle!
(Oh Waitperson? COFFEE, Please! In fact, COFFEE for everyone here! I’m Sorry, where was I?)
Oh yeah, I forgot. Now, there’s another “Son” in this Strip that pretty much did the SAME Thing this year by Sacrificing Himself for His Mom.
Only difference between the two guys IS, NOBODY is Criticizing Brad for doing it.
[DUCKS]
Grutzi about 6 years ago
Now she gets to think of Brad every time she looks at her garland. How wonderful!
arianseren about 6 years ago
Mom’s smart to hush Dad up, it’s probably the first time Brad’s helped put up the garland without a fight.
Sportymonk about 6 years ago
May she jut put up the old garland and realized it looked “old and shabby” and sent Frank into the blizzard to buy more.
tcayer about 6 years ago
I personally know TWO firemen who were injured in ladder mishaps at their own homes!
ForrestOverin about 6 years ago
??? Brad doesn’t need to impress his mom!
Herb L 1954 about 6 years ago
Merrick Garland should be on the Supreme Court.Not frat boy Brett ;(
JPuzzleWhiz about 6 years ago
“Put Up, Then Shut Up”
“Working Hand To Mouth”
“Deck The Hall, Prevent The Fall-y” (♪)
“Step Right Up”
“What’s Your Hang-Up?”
luann1212 about 6 years ago
I have a thoughtful grown son too, and I know exactly what this panel represents and its basically a Sunday foible with no need for confusion. She is a mom, a wonderful loving mom, which is why Luann and Brad are such basically good-hearted, grounded young people, and she is proud—more so than Brad is just loving and dutiful—that her son is thoughtful and wants to help his mom. That is a beautiful message, and stands all by itself.
swanridge about 6 years ago
Brad, with all of that training, you aren’t too observant. She was taking DOWN last years garlands!
Comic Minister Premium Member about 6 years ago
What’s the big idea Nancy?!
Airman about 6 years ago
Okay, bye, bye, Brad. Let’s empty the nest, and get undressed, ’cause Frankie has something for mama.
timbob2313 Premium Member about 6 years ago
Good choice mom. Brad helping is a good thing
rick92040 about 6 years ago
He’s a good kid.
Schrodinger's Dog about 6 years ago
Tomorrow: Gunther plugs the display lights in and blinds Les.
nathenleeturner about 6 years ago
She’s a good mom.
bakana about 6 years ago
They’ll be fine for Next Year.
dliley about 6 years ago
Brad is so damn cute, basking in mom’s love.
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace about 6 years ago
“Did you help that old lady across the street?”
“Yes, I did and it was hard what with her fighting all the way, insisting she didn’t want to cross.”
BaileyRose about 6 years ago
I think it’s cool that she is letting Brad have his moment and “help”. I don’t see how people don’t get that she was taking the original garland down. Look at the position of her hands and feet. Her foot is coming down the ladder the movement position of her hands also implies taking down not putting up. If she was putting the garland up she’d be closer to the the top of the ladder and arguably holding more garland on her arm.
Schrodinger's Dog about 6 years ago
Tomorrow: Tiffany plots revenge.
Sisyphos about 6 years ago
Nancy is a kind Mom, and Brad has turned into a good son. So, don’t mess it up, Frank!
adrianrune about 6 years ago
It might be Mom (or Dad) put up the old garland and Mom decided it looked worn and old and sent Dad out to get some new. While taking it down, Brad comes in (I never knocked at my parents home even after moving out 45+ years before Mom passed away) and assumes Mom is putting it up.