Christmas reminds me of a wedding. You get engaged, start planning, live and breathe that sense of anticipation, and then it’s over in one day. ONE day.
On a smaller scale, Christmas is kind of similar in terms of build-up. This comes from a person who grew up in a socialist culture and didn’t even celebrate Christmas for much of her life. We did celebrate New Years and that was similar. It was like a secular Christmas if that is even possible. We had the tree, we had Santa, we had presents, we had a party. The count-down from the Red Square clock at midnight. Obligatory champagne (diluted with water/juice for the old-ish kids). We decorated our homes and bought celebratory food that could only, only, be eaten on December 31. I usually found one gift under a tree.
Over the past 20+ years in the US, I grew to appreciate Christmas. But I do not have big feelings about it. My kids probably will since they were born here. And, really, how could you not? L and R had a wonderful, beautiful month full of activities (at home and at school), presents (at home and at school), and impromptu visits from friends and neighbors. They went to plays, learned and performed holiday songs, and had class and even aftercare (!) parties. What a lovely, amazing, generous way to celebrate.
Because I don’t have a big attachment to Christmas, it’s easy for me to move on after December 25th. T shared with me that he feels a twinge of sadness when we put the decor away. For me, that feeling is… Relief?… I silently congratulate myself and say thank you for a wonderful month.
When we take down all the wreaths from our windows, I wash the windows inside and out; a ritual of sorts. I declutter any decor that is broken/wasn’t used. Everything is placed into bins from HomeDepot and hauled into the attic. Sweep, mop. We do leave white lights on the mantle a while longer. Probably till the beginning of February?
I often feel myself looking forward to a clean, clear month of January. A month with less commitments but more self-care. A month of setting intentions (but no grand goals or quotas for me). A month where I often notice I eat less, eat better, make more effort with consistent movement.
I will leave it here, friends with a medley of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day pictures.
Tell me, do you feel sadness when holiday season is over? Or, are you like me, and looking forward to January?
Mom of Children 