Photo by C.A. Lovely 12/2012
Christmas flashes by in a blur of high speed with weeks of frantic preparation only to fizzle out in a moment along with the lights on the tree. I refuse to end it on 12/25.
Often the weeks after the holidays are the most enjoyable. The house is still decorated, the pressure is off and family obligations have been met. Now there is time for personal reflection and preparation for the coming new year. Creativity begins to flow again as I write about sweet holiday memories and funny episodes.
A recent snowstorm of 16 inches (and it’s still snowing!) contributes to the “stay-snug-at-home” feeling. Cardinals, finches and bluejays flit around the gazebo frame in the yard, appreciative of the birdseed Christmas bells. As evening slips in, outside Christmas lights cast pools of brightness on to the fresh snow and sparkle off newly formed icicles hanging between the decor.
Simple pleasures – the week after.
What is your favorite thing to do after Christmas?
How do you savor the season and make it last longer?
Do you find it easier to write at this time?
The traditional Christmas season, the 12 days of Christmas, runs from Dec 25 to Jan 6. I keep my decorations up and keep playing Christmas music until Epiphany. KLove, the Christian radio station, continues to play Christmas music. The chaos of shopping is over – the true celebration is on!
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Comment by Cathy Richmond — December 30, 2012
Cathy,
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who believes in extending the season! Some of my holiday decor (snowmen, candles in windows) I keep up through the winter to brighten up the long, cold, dark days. Enjoy the rest of the celebration and thanks for stopping by…
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Comment by admin — December 30, 2012
Oh, Cynthia, how I wish I had your after Christmas optimism. Happy New Year! 🙂
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Comment by Anita — December 30, 2012
Anita,
I’ve been a bit smarter this year and said no to some major activities which has helped us through the season. I’m looking forward to catching up on some things including reading some magazines and books…plus once we get snowed in here, there’s not much of a choice! And a wonderful new year to you : )
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Comment by admin — December 30, 2012
We keep our Christmas decorations up usually until somewhere around the second week of January (at least until Jan 6th).
This year for our Starsongs magazine winter 2013 issue, I’ve put out a call out for young writers to send in stories, poems, etc that reflect their Christmas memories.
I don’t believe Christmas and all the feelings that go with it should be forgotten when we turn the calendar to a new month.
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Comment by patti shene — December 31, 2012
Hi Patti,
It’s nice to know other people are extending their Christmas and enjoying the weeks after. It’s funny how we put so much time preparing for one day and then…it’s over. Enjoy the after Christmas calm…
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Comment by admin — December 31, 2012
I have always loved the week after Christmas… for different reasons at different times in my life. When I was little I loved getting up in the mornings after Christmas enjoying the tree, the train, and the presents that were “still there”. When I was in high school I enjoyed the get togethers and parties in each others’ basements or rec rooms. As an adult I savor the preciousness of it all and the opportunity to just take it in, recall the past year, think about and remember those people who are no longer here, and to give thought to what my hopes are for the coming year. As I said, it is one of my favorite times of the year and I’m glad you nudged me into remembering why! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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Comment by Audrey — December 31, 2012
Audrey,
Thanks for sharing those special, sweet memories. I pray your week is blessed as we prepare for the brand new year of 2013. And yes, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
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Comment by admin — December 31, 2012
Sixteen inches and still snowing??? Ugh! Glad you’re enjoying it. 🙂
I’m afraid I’m one who can’t wait to get the decorations down and packed away. Please don’t call me a Bah Humbug!
New year blessings, sweet friend…
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Comment by Vonda Skelton — December 31, 2012
Vonda,
Had to laugh at your response. I can picture you in full gear packing those Christmas decorations away so you can zoom on into the New Year : ) The snow is pretty since this is our first real storm but soon loses it’s appeal when we’re hit by storm after storm. Hopefully, we’ll have a mild winter. Happy New Year to you and yours…
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Comment by admin — December 31, 2012
Thank you for such a lovely post, Cynthia! I always think it’s a shame to stop Christmas right after the 25th–it’s only the first day of Christmas after all!–and am glad others feel the same. And I agree with you–often the days after Christmas seem the sweetest, once the rush is gone. My family loves to sit in the living room in the evenings with the fire and the Christmas tree, listening to Christmas music, reading, writing thank-yous, maybe watching a movie together, and just soaking the quiet, joyous reality that He came. So…merry 9th day of Christmas!
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Comment by Kiersti — January 2, 2013
Hi Kiersti,
Definitely feeling a kindred spirit here : ) and love your living room description of the “after” part of Christmas. And a continued Merry Christmas to you!
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Comment by admin — January 3, 2013
I threw myself into the 12 Days of Christmas this year and I’ve still got my tree and all my decorations up. So do my neighbors.
With all the sadness this year, I want to keep the light of Christmas going. I’m still playing carols on my sound system.
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Comment by Nike Chillemi — January 7, 2013
Beautiful thoughts, Nike. We’re also holding on to the Christmas spirit, still decorated and still thankful for the Light of the World.
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Comment by admin — January 7, 2013