Today is my day to begin taking down our Christmas decorations. Ours always stay up, the tree at least, until the Epiphany (January 6).
I began this morning by taking down the outside decorations. I couldn't pass up the opportunity. It is sunny and a lovely 65F out. Why not spend some of my time outdoors?
Since we emptied (in October) my rental storage space where I used to live, all the holiday "stuff" is now here. Albeit in a bit of a jumbled state. I've been taking my time readying Christmas decorations for storage in the attic so I can organize and, in some cases, give away pieces we won't use or don't need.
When Buck and I owned our shop, we always decorated quite lavishly for Christmas, so there is some amount of duplication. I'm saving the most beautiful/unique pieces and will either consign or donate the remaining unneeded things.
In some ways, going through all the decorations is bittersweet. It is causing me to remember the many Christmases I had with Buck and what some of the decorations mean. The most special ones I'll keep, of course.
Having said that, I'm thankful I had those holidays with him and I am even more thankful that I have another wonderful man to create more beautiful memories with. I'm blessed beyond measure.
At any rate, I'm up to my all-American eyeballs in garlands, bells, lights, reindeer, Santas, you name it...but I am actually enjoying myself and, believe it or not, I'm looking forward to next Christmas.