As much as I love the Christmas season, I must say I enjoy the bitter sweet motions of its closing. Last night, we carefully packed away the ornaments, trees, wreaths and garlands. Its actually a comforting ritual. Once again we talked about the significance of particular ornaments as we delicately wrapped and stored them for next year’s celebrations.
For the sake of organization, I attempt to box our decorations in a systematic manner. I store the traditional Christmas tree ornaments in one tote, the formal tree ornaments in another, and box delicate nativity scenes and antique ornaments together. I pack the greenery in large bags. Lights are gently wound up, secured with quick-ties, and stored together.
I appreciate having the opportunity to thoroughly dust my banisters and mantels. I vacuumed away every trace of greenery, enjoying our freshly decluttered home.
Winter is here in all of its glory. We are living under mounds of snow and frigid temperatures, enjoying the warmth of fires inside. Even so, I can sense a crocus somewhere underneath it all.
“At Christmas, I no more desire a rose; Than wish a snow in May’s newfangled mirth; But like each thing that in season grows.” – William Shakespeare
Tags: Christmas
Incredible pictures! I have everything put away too and I am dreaming of the crocus!
Beautiful pictures. I vicariously live through your pics….we have no snow.
Have a wonderful day.
I agree – amazing pictures! What a beautiful place to be!
Good job!! When I did decorate for the seasons (6-8 big bins worth), it WAS a pleasure to put it all away again! Yeah. We had a big, beautiful white Christmas up north in the U.P. with family. It was a blast, and we ate and ate. Home now. Trying to figure out what to do next.???
Well, I’ll add my agreement to everyone else. Those sure are beautiful pictures! And I also agree about cleaning up after Christmas. I love my decorations (all five boxes of them! And you know how small my house is. LOL.), but I also love the fresh, uncluttered look of the January sparseness with just a few decorations here and there and plenty of open, newly dusted space.
Jena,
I can only imagine the amount of snow you all had up in the U.P. – I bet the kids had a great time! It’s good to know that you all made it home safely as the roads were certainly slippery.
I’m always amazed at how quickly Christmas comes and goes! We put away our decorations after the New Year rolls in so we’ll be busy this weekend.
I also love the photos you’ve shared. Christmas is gone, but winter is just getting started!