After sailing through weeks of holiday cheer, we’ve chugged straight into that awkward phase of winter when the Christmas lights remain hung but not shining, the presents have been carted home but not forgotten, and the tree still lurks in its corner, unlit but not yet de-tinseled. The children are back in school, wearing clothes so new they bear the creases from their time in boxes beneath the tree. Across the street the blowup Santa that leered at us all December has deflated into a puddle of red and white plastic, spreading over the winter-brown grass.
Each year during this in-between-time after the festivities, and before the drudgery of winter and fulfilling resolutions and packing up the Christmas boxes for another ten months in storage have set in, I vow to appreciate Christmas even more the next time around. I promise myself to begin the carol blitz sooner, to write more cards, to really revel in the celebrations.
But after several successive seasons of diving into the holidays ever-earlier, so that by December first I want to hide in my house with the radio off lest I hear another droning version of “My Favorite Things” (which, come on, is not a Christmas song), I am making a new vow: from now on I will take the holidays as they come. The end will always seem abrupt and the detritus left afterward — those plastic Santas on the lawn, the unlit bulbs, the drooping trees — will always seem sad. I will relax more, and afterward I will shun the post-Christmas letdown, instead thinking of the joyous times spent with family and friends over the previous weeks and looking forward to the coming spring.
And that, six days late, is the only resolution I made this year.
Wise advice. I had a horrible Christmas season, and I am SWEARING that next year’s will be better!!!!! But I know it just is what it is. Sometimes they are wonderful . . . and sometimes they suck . . .
And I am ALWAYS sad when they are over.
The ironic thing is that my holidays went really well…which makes it all that harder to return to ordinary life. I like what I do and I love the people I work with, but there’s something to be said for time. And you’re right–sometimes they totally suck, and I’m not sure that would be any better, because there would be no sense of renewal.
What the holidays really need is the gift of more time, yet starting out on a fresh New Year has its advantages too. Enjoy the memories, Caryn!
Hello, Booklady! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
I scrolled down and I think you stole my gray cat!
See you again soon.
Best,
Tena
So true, Larramie!
Thanks for stopping by in return, Tena! And I agree–our cats could be one in the same–at least, in photos.
That’s a good one. I always get sad when we take the lights down.
LOL … I teach piano, and I’ve been hearing My Favorite Things for months now. It’s in a bunch of the Christmas piano books, even though it’s not a Christmas song. I’m always secretly joyed when they choose that one, if only it’s one lesson I won’t have to hear another mangled version of Jingle Bells, LOL!
I hear more people say that is not a Christmas song. It has oddly always been one of my favorites (Dastardly secret. SSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHH… Don’t tell anyone.), and I am just thrilled every time I hear it and can sing along. Loudly. Off key. Screeching. Hopefully at home alone, but that doesn’t necessarily stop me. 🙂 This is the first year I’ve managed to relax and just go with the flow in a long time. And all because of home construction that locked me out of my home for a few days. It may be the best thing that’s ever happened to me. Excellent resolution.
Can I add that Devil in the White City was a book that grabbed my attention and didn’t really let go. Appalling and amazing, all in one. Good choice.
I think that sounds like a WONDERFUL resolution!
Spyscribbler & Mizzz, that’s so funny. I’m so sick of that song! I could use a good round of “Jingle Bells” instead. And, no, Mizzz, I won’t tell. 😉 As for The Devil in the White City, I’m enjoying it very much. It’s especially fascinating and horrifying because it’s true. It’s like the car wreck you can’t look away from.
Thanks Swishy! Here’s hoping I’m able to keep this one!