Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Putting Christmas Away

I love the whole Christmas season! I love displaying the Christmas cards we receive, and seeing the family picture cards with new babies, new pets, and new homes. I turn on Christmas music the first of December. And I can hardly wait to put up the tree which our cat is sure we decorate just for her.

If you come to our house to visit during December, you'll be greeted by our Christmas welcome mat, our door wreath, and the hanging ribbon which proclaims, "Christ is Born." Inside you'll see nativity scenes and novelties, and you'll hear Christmas carols on the hour from the Christmas clock we get out each year.

Yes, Christmas is an exciting and beautiful time of the year. BUT, all that goes up must come down, and for some, that is the most depressing time of the year.

We dismantle Christmas on New Year's Day. Starting with breakfast and the New Year's Day parades, we relax. Next come the football games. Somewhere in the niddle of them I take off the tree ornaments, put away the music boxes, and nativities. My husband waits until half-time in a game to take off the tree lights, box up the tree (I'm allergic to real trees in the house),and cart it to the garage ready for next year. About the middle of the afternoon, when he has almost had his fill of football, he tkes down the outside lights. I vacuum.

Far from a day of depression and regret, we choose to go slow, make it a day for meat and veggie snacks, popcorn, and hot chocolate. By the end of the last football game we're ready for a well-earned sleep. We have celebrated! Jesus, the Savior has come!

Now we are free to open the door to a New Year with a new attitude, a new goal, and perhaps a fresh new set of activities to reach that goal.

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