Where did Christmas Go?

I got up Saturday morning and walked all through the house.  Not a creature was stirring.  There was not a string of lights, a garland of tinsel, a jolly Santa, a cherished crèche….  It was all packed tightly in 37 (yes, I said 37) totes in my garage.  The Christmas Cookies were packed up and sent over to Nate’s where they would be out of my temptation’s easy reach.  The leftovers are either eaten or tossed, and the Snoopy shelf is back to a colonial display.

The only little bit of visible holiday cheer left is the poinsettia basket that was a gift from the Smail family.  It is still bright and blooming and will deck the halls for many more weeks (if I remember to water it!). 

At the bottom of the steps in the family room, where there used to be a twinkling evergreen topped by an heirloom angel there is now just an antique child’s school desk displaying an Amish village.  No lights down the staircase, no snowmen climbing the ladder, no cow singing Christmas Carols.

In the kitchen, in front of the toaster, there is a cutting board with my initial, also a gift – from Bud and Ellen.  Ironically, it has HIS initial too!  I’m certain they didn’t consider that when they purchased it!  Just a little addition to remind me that yes, Christmas really did happen!

Christmas may be tucked away for another year (or eleven months, to be exact!), but the thoughts and meaning and memories and family and celebrations will live on.  As Ebenezer Scrooge is so fond of saying, ‘I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.’  That’s really not so hard to do; it’s just staying focused on the Reason for the Season in the first place.

I do have to admit, however, that I REALLY miss the lights and glitter!  🙂 Can’t wait to do it AGAIN!!!!  After all, it IS 2016 already!!!!