Yesterday morning Izzy and I decided to take a longer walk than usual. The sun was strong and I couldn’t bear to hurry back inside when the sun had been so gracious in being there for me. On our longer route we ran into a neighbor whom I do not know. She was taking down her outdoor Christmas decorations. I said, “Good morning.” She responded, “I can’t wait to get rid of Christmas. I want everything back to normal.”
I remember feeling this exact same way years ago. By the 28th of December I was ready to have everything put away and back to normal. Something has changed over the years. I am not in a hurry to get rid of Christmas. I consider the whole week after Christmas to be part of the Christmas celebration, only simpler. That week after Christmas everyone is relaxed. There aren’t anymore surprises or planning and everyone can relax and just be. I have found myself snuggled with Sophia several evenings this week in front of the tree talking.
Generally Christmas isn’t completely put away until right before I head back to work mid January. With the colder days and nights, I enjoy the warmth the Christmas lights bring to a room. Besides that, I just find that I enjoy bringing back regular life a little slower these days. The holidays for me are a sign of slowing down and enjoying those around me. I am in no hurry to get back to a life any different than that.
The Life and Adventures of Cateepoo 
I couldn't agree more! I look forward to those snuggling moments with my kiddos now (while reading 10,000 picture books) and look forward to them when they're older as well (and LOVE that Sophia and you are so close!). =) It's a nice change of pace. Enjoy!
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It's nice to keep that Christmas spirit going a little longer. (My goodness, Alex is getting so tall!)
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Down here here where I live, most people don't take down their decorations before January 6th, or The Day of Kings/Dia de Reyes.
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If it were up to my daughter, she would leave them up year round! We have our outside stuff down and in the garage, inside it still looks like Christmas though. Wishing you a safe and Happy New Year!
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If I could live with Christmas up year round, I would. We love Christmas and try to live it throughout the year but this year my hubby had to take down the tree early as my kitty was eating it and it was making her sick. Oh well, next year I will have to figure out a diversion for kitty 🙂 But I am planning on putting up the Valentine's Day decos real soon 🙂 I use lights for those as well.
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If I could live with Christmas up year round, I would. We love Christmas and try to live it throughout the year but this year my hubby had to take down the tree early as my kitty was eating it and it was making her sick. Oh well, next year I will have to figure out a diversion for kitty 🙂 But I am planning on putting up the Valentine's Day decos real soon 🙂 I use lights for those as well.
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