We may have two weeks off for Winter Break, but the second week is really the break I get.
The first week is always spent playing Christmas prep catch-up--the buying, the baking, the wrapping and the sending. Sure, there was some groundwork laid before break, but most of those efforts went towards work, getting goodies to colleagues before we all scurried out of the building on that last day. The priorities always seem to fall in that order: holiday at work, then taking care of out-of-country and out-of-state family, then local.
Christmas Day comes with a silent cheer of "Whew! We made it!".
Then the day after Christmas arrives, with the promise of a quiet week ahead. We've adopted a Twelve Days of Christmas mentality in our home; decorations stay up until January 6th, so each morning I can meditate by the light of our Christmas tree. I send most of our cards out now, not in a rush, but with time to think about and treasure the recipients. Cookies are delivered to neighbors, the mail carrier, the garbage truck drivers. I have time to set intentions for the coming year, time to read, time to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee on the front porch.
This is the week I look forward to each year, this time between Christmas and New Year's Day--my quiet week.
Wishing all my fellow Slicers a happy, healthy, and blessed New Year!
Yes! I love the way you describe the frenzy leading up to Christmas and the peace afterward. I am lucky enough to have two weeks after this year and I plan to enjoy every minute.
ReplyDeleteYes! I love the way you describe the frenzy leading up to Christmas and the peace afterward. I am lucky enough to have two weeks after this year and I plan to enjoy every minute.
ReplyDeleteI love the way you described this! I also love that you send your cards out after Christmas with loving thoughts for the recipients. I hope your week is wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you about this week. We are usually away, so it feels really different this year. Just time to be home, cook, connect, write... I like it.
ReplyDeleteSame way here, all the prep work before usually makes the pre-Christmas week busy, busy, even though it's labor of love for the family. This year I put the tree up ridiculously early (like, second week of November) and wrapped the presents as they trickled in. I like sparkly paper and real ribbon... this year some of the paper was holographic so the tree lights on it caused lots of reflective rainbow color, somehow especially pleasing, maybe even calming, on an aesthetic level. I am leaving the tree up for a while, too. More light and peace in our "wintering" and meditating, as you say, with a good book, etc. It is much-needed. I know those neighbors and service providers must so appreciate the cookies and the thoughts. Gestures of gratitude are gifts for both giver and recipient. Savor every moment of the remaining holiday, Chris! I am thankful for you.
ReplyDelete12 days of Christmas is my favorite and I have been embracing it for several years now. Seems to important just to let it fizzle out the day after. Unfortunately, we weren't able to travel to visit family this year, but on the other hand, it feels like I have a little extra time to relax and enjoy being with my kids, along with the extra glow of the Christmas lights.
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