The corner where the tree was now stands empty. The formal dining room serves as a catchall for jolly remnants–the ornaments and merrymakers we missed in our post-holiday sweep. Last night I gave in and threw away the balsam fir candle–its wick burned down to the metal disc at the bottom.
Christmas is officially over.
Like countless other moms across America, today I buzz along to the familiar soundtrack of my day: the whir of the bread machine, clothes tumbling in the dryer, the dog’s occasional yawn.
Most every year, I’m itching to get the tree down–the girth of it having worn out its welcome. But not this year. This year, though I still un-decorated within days of Christmas, I was sorry to see it all go. I knew I’d miss sitting by the light of the tree–and the flickering winter white candles–each night. I knew I’d miss the fullness of the nativity on display in built-ins that–otherwise–go empty. Even the persistent jingle of the Christmas toys, I miss.
People tout January for its clean slate and new beginnings. I’m not a January kind of girl, myself. I feel almost guilty saying so because some of my favorite people were born within it, but still. January is cold and it’s stark and those things are much easier to live with when they come with the promise of Christmas just around the corner. With Christmas gone by, the cold stings and the stark corners just stand there. Empty.
Empty seems so much emptier, when once it wasn’t.
I am in complete agreement. The cold bleak winter is so nice when it has something to look forward to. But January (and parts of Feb for me) are days when I have to count my blessings extra high. xo
I packed all our Christmas away into moving boxes, so ready to go beyond this January!
Steph
Psst…I include you in my favorite January birth people ;)
Aww thank you! : )
I was sad to see it go this year as well. I spent the first 2 weeks of December getting my Mother in laws home ready to sell. It was not until this was completed that I could get my home ready for Christmas. I feel like I blinked and it was over.
Our tree is still up just for the shear fact that we haven’t had time to take it down. However, I totally know how you feel.
PS I *LOVE* your clock wall!
I love January and it’s clean slate, but definitely am hit with sadness by the starkness the first few days. For me, Christmas being over means going back to Texas half a country away from my family, which is tough at first. That’s why I love the fresh start. Seeing the Christmas lights still up just reminds me of what is over and how long it will be until we all get to enjoy it again. But if I could still be there, I’d want to soak it in as long as possible!
Hi there! I am visiting via Just Write.
Yes, yes and yes – I agree about January even though my birthday is in January ;)
I was sad when all the good excuses to be with extended family were gone, when staying in my jammies until 11am was over and when it was time to face the new year and make things happen! Thank goodness we aren’t alone.
Happy New Year!
xoTiffany
So glad you added that bit about some of your favorite people being born in January. ;)