It's Monday...the first "real" work day after the two-week holiday hiatus and I'm feeling bummed. I know I have to take the tree and the decorations down this week *sigh* and I always hate doing that. Admittedly, it will be much easier this year since I simplified in anticipation of the move. I only lugged half the stuff out (but that's still a lot in Lora's world.) But it's not the elbow grease involved that has me bothered. I just hate un-decorating. The house always seems so magical during the holidays. The lights, the candles, the bright red and greens....and of course - the tree!
I just love turning the lights down in the evening and basking in the glow of the tree and the wood stove. I play Christmas music straight through till New Year's Eve (when hubby puts his foot down and say no more!) I light all the candles and just sit there. Alone with my thoughts and memories.
This was absolutely our last Christmas in this house. As excited as I am to be in the new place - there are so many memories of Christmas past that I want to hold onto and savor and embed in my mind so that I never forget. Time has a way of fading certain memories. I don't like that.
When we moved into this house the girls were all still in grade school. They were 8, 10 and 12. First hubby was still alive and we were in our 30's. I had to hide presents. Now I just display them under the tree as they are wrapped. On Christmas morning they came bounding down the stairs instead of through the front door. The video camera is no longer perched on a tri-pod capturing every nuance.
Things change. Time marches on. Christmas was still magical here. Just different. And different doesn't always deserve the bad rap it gets. But I still hate taking the decorations down. I hate saying goodbye to the season that brings so much joy and laughter. I hate turning the page to another long dreary winter. I tend to spend January through April counting the days till spring. That seems pretty dumb. Life still happens in those months, right?
I'm going to try to purposefully enjoy winter this year. I think of the client I have (the one I take care of every Wed-Fri) that has cancer. This was her last Christmas. This is her last winter. None of us can read the future - but to those given a glimpse (such as my client) life seems all the more fragile and worth enjoying, right?
I want to squeeze the life out of every day! Enjoy it all! Even the snow!
10 comments:
I to am back at work today and just not at all excited about it but thankful I have a job to go to. I've taken the outside decorations down but I'm just not ready to put away the inside things. Since I'm the only one seeing them, I think I just keep it the way it is for a while.
Lovely post, seems very reflective. It's a good lesson to remember, live every moment and enjoy. I'll try and hold onto that one.
I also hate the taking down and putting away. Girl friend, don't let winter steal away your joy. For me, it is the grandkids that I see at least three times a week. For you it might be different, but come up with something. How about bringing some joy to the sick woman and her hubby in little ways. I have decided to think and plan ahead and have people over or ask if they can meet us somewhere. I love to get together and talk and play games, so I need to plan it. Lets get busy and put some fun into winter.
I love having my decorations up also but I always seem to put them away the day after Christmas. This year we put them away Jan. 2. I love starting the new year with all the decoration put away. I don't know why because I was raised to keep them up until Jan. 6th. I hear what you are saying about counting down the days until spring. I just said to my daughter and hubby today that there are only 3 more months until spring. I dread winter but I guess we should embrace every moment of every day. We never know when it is going to be our last. Have a great evening.
excellent post Laura! I didn't do a lot of decorating this year, my heart wasn't in it but I do know I need to cherish every moment and make the most of it and stop waiting for my life to be the way I want it to be, it is what it is.
You are so right about enjoying the time that we have. I'm with you on the Christmas decorations too. I don't have woodburning stove (I love the smell) but I love my fireplace and sitting curled up in front of it with a good book :)
As for needing a master's to be certified--you don't need one ever. Most teacher's probably get one to get the pay increase but it isn't even that much.
Times may change, but it's clear from your writing that love was a constant throughout. And still shines brightly. You are blessed. We are blessed.
Absolutely, every day is a gift. We know that this was my mom's last Christmas, so it was a rather bittersweet holiday. I've put all the extra decorations away, but the tree is still standing. :-)
Path to Health
I love our tree too. I don't take it down till the end of January.
I know what you mean I hate seeing all the holiday decorations come down.. now its just dreary... oh well.. but you are so right about grasping hold of life even on those dreary seeming days.. I am glad you appreciate it all.. too many people take it all for granted... you have some beautiful memories.. and through the years will make many more beautiful memories with your family too~
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