Putting away Christmas…

Putting away Christmas…

Ok.. on to the next thing.

My niece and future daughter in law are including me in a group text about wedding showers, having babies and when’s the next party.  My cup runneth over but my energy runneth low. Even though I deeply admire their youthful enthusiasm and love for each other and for me,  I want to text back “Ladies!  Let me get Christmas put away first!”

So many things to look forward to in the new year.  But before I go there I want to be here. I want to be here to put Christmas away.  I want to look at all the ornaments I threw on the tree in such a rush between working, traveling and meal preparing.  It all happened so fast and now it’s over.

I want to be in the kitchen once more with my three sons and my future daughter in law cooking Christmas dinner and laughing about nonsense while the two Goldens, Lua and Willow, gaze at the oven door with the 25 lb. bird inside, hoping to get a quick lick when Patrick opens it to baste.

I want to see Gramma Louise ask for refills on the Vodka Punch, all the while relaxing and enjoying the hustle bustle of her family.

I want to hear once again all the various conversations at the Christmas dinner table with all the guest glowing from the warmth of good food and wine.  I want to reveal the secret ingredient in the stuffing and listen for the pregnant pause.  (ok.. no more secret ingredients in the stuffing- I promise.)  BTW Who guessed the baby Jesus?

I think this was the best Christmas ever.

Years ago, when I was in my early 20’s, I never bought Christmas paper on sale after Christmas.  I didn’t anticipate there being another Christmas.  You know.. it was the ’80s and everyone was talking about Jesus coming again and Revelations in the bible.  Good Catholic that I was (still am but not as good) I took it all to heart.   Existential angst had me wondering about the meaning of life and how my life was going to pan out. It became somewhat of a joke among my family and friends.  After Christmas sales?  You won’t see Rosemarie there!

Now I find myself looking forward to many Christmases to come.  And to wedding, babies, celebrations and most of all to a life filled with love and belonging.  I consider that progress.

But today I am content to take down the ornaments and unstring the lights.  Open empty boxes.  Nativity scene goes in this bag.  Delicate ornaments go in the tins.  Stocking folded with the little white hooks inside for easy hanging next year.  One last deep inhale of the still fragrant tree.

 

 

12 Responses »

  1. I was the premier shopper at the after Christmas sales starting on 12/26, until Dave and I got married on 12/26/81. So, for 32 years, I have not gone to one after Christmas sale. I do however, buy Christmas paper at 75% off. I just make sure it’s paper that can be used year round. I wish you and your wonderfully, fantabulous family, the best 2014 ever!

  2. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Rosemarie. You’re right; Christmas DOES change as we age. I think it’s all part of the circle of life. In Germany, where I grew up, Christmas begins on December 6 and ends on January 6. I don’t always do things as I would like. This year a whopping case of the flu interceded and we got the tree put up, but that was all in terms of decorations. No matter how old I grow, no matter where I am, it’s not Christmas for me until I have hung the harp and rocking horse that I bought at the Kristkindlesmarkt and the bells I brought from Germany on the tree. When I take them out of their boxes, I can almost see the newly falling snow and hear the church bells ringing through the Alpine village in which we lived. Now those thing will go carefully, almost reverently back into their boxes until next year, when I will bring them out again. Your family is growing! I wish you every joy, every happiness, and every blessing in the year to come.

    • Oh no the flu! What a spoiler! I hope you are feeling better now, Kimberly, and that you have a wonderful new year! Blessings to you and your family! Thanks for reading my “stuff”!

  3. It sounds like you had a beautiful Christmas, Rosemarie! Savor the moment. Enjoy the fragrance, Hear the sounds. Touch the warmth. See the beauty. Celebrate the love. And know that all of it is with you the whole year long – you carry Christmas in your heart by being the person you are. I look forward to staying in touch with you during 2014. May you and your beautiful family be blessed with health and happiness, joy and laughter, and many good moments of shared time and special fun.

  4. Brendan and Joanna’s baby, Maura Juliana, is now three-months-old and so precious. It is such a joy to hold her and love her. Mary and Greg’s baby is due around the middle of May. Rich and I love being grandparents! We’re struggling to relearn everything! Seems like just yesterday when ours were babies, doesn’t it? I need those baby books back on the nightstand! Not sure I even remember how to warm a bottle or change a diaper! Keep writing in 2014. You have such vision and insight and you write so well, Rosemarie. xoxoxoxoxo

  5. Brendan and Joanna’s baby, Maura Juliana, is now three-months-old and so precious. It is such a joy to hold her and love her. Mary and Greg’s baby is due around the middle of May. Rich and I love being grandparents! We’re struggling to relearn everything! Seems like just yesterday when ours were babies, doesn’t it? I need those baby books back on the nightstand! Not sure I even remember how to warm a bottle or change a diaper! Keep writing in 2014. You have such vision and insight and you write so well, Rosemarie. xoxoxoxoxo

  6. I’m excited to start 2014, so with a sense of nostalgia, I deep inhaled and admired last time the beautiful Christmas tree. I put away Christmas ornaments today too! I felt that I need it :) I have been waiting so long for this year to come… Rosemarie, I hope 2014 brings joy and happiness that you are eager to experience…My best wishes to you and your beautiful family.

  7. Patty, I hope also that 2014 is a wonderful year for you and little Ricardo (not so little any more!).
    Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and commenting!

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