Winter Blahs
Yesterday we took down the Christmas tree. We put away ornaments and carried off the boxes and wrappings and ribbons that Ann didn't salvage for next year. The stockings came down from the mantle and the greeting cards off the piano, so the year is over. This last week on the calendar is an odd time, a misfit afterthought, a space between Christmas and a new calendar on the wall. But the year has ended and only awaits official recognition by those who are conscious next week while Ann and I sleep through the tick of midnight as we always do on New Year's Eve. With the shortest day of the year now past, it seems there should come a new surge of energy, but instead, I feel thick and stupid and uninspired. This too shall pass.
Comments
That upsurge of energy will come, I'm sure, with the real new year. I'm astounded that you've put away Christmas so quickly. In our house, dominated by the French rhythm and calendar, the wise men don't get to Bethlehem until the first week or so of January. No thought here about dismantling until after THAT.
Posted by: trish | December 28, 2003 8:08 AM
I'm with Trish -- when did you put your Christmas stuff *up*? the twelve days of Christmas starts with Christmas eve; before that is Advent in my book.
Posted by: Anita Rowland | December 28, 2003 10:59 AM
We are right with you Fred. You couldn't tell that Christmas was ever here at our place.
The tree, which was located in an alcove was only lit once when it was first put up. It was just taking up space that we needed for gifts anyway. I think next year we will try one of those Charlie Brown type of little trees that can be set on a table or the top of the curio cabinet that normally sets in that alcove.
I have eaten or am wearing all that I got for Christmas. I hope I didn't get mixed up and eat what I should be wearing and vise versa. I would have noticed by now....wouldn't I? It's not easy being a curmudgeon.
Posted by: Clarence | December 28, 2003 12:56 PM
TWELVE days of Christmas. Twelve! Why why why take everything down so soon?
Posted by: Pascale Soleil | December 28, 2003 9:55 PM
Yes, in this dark time of of short days/long ngihts, why not keep the lovely Christmas trees and other lights and festive decorations up through the true Christmas season (the twelve days)?!
Down in the deep South, though, it used to be considered bad luck if the Christmas stuff was still out on New Year's Day. I wonder where that superstition came from, and how widespread it was?
Good riddance to it.
Posted by: Lin B | December 28, 2003 10:12 PM