Once again I’m struggling with putting Christmas away. It seems as if every year something gets left behind when the Christmas decoration boxes get put away. One year it was an Advent calendar; another year my Santa and reindeer salt shaker. It’s always something.
I was aware of this as I put away decorations this year. I was proud of myself that I had started the search and store mission before New Year’s Eve. I boxed up my Christmas village from the bay window, my crèche and the Holy Family, and our tiny Christmas tree. I packed up my Christmas pins and earrings into their pretty red and gold boxes. I found all the gift bags, rolls of wrapping paper, ribbons and put them in the underthe bed storage box until next year.
It always takes a while to get all my seasonal linens and clothing washed and put away. I have a nice collection of about a dozen Christmas hand towels and dish towels and a couple of table cloths. They end up in the laundry basket over the holiday.
Over the years I also acquired a great assortment of holiday attire, enough that I have an all new wardrobe for a few weeks in December. I have five nice Christmas tops, a couple of sweaters, a couple of festive sweatshirts and a couple of Christmas vests. I also have nine pair of holiday socks. It takes a long time and many loads of laundry before they are all paired up and put away.
So I thought I was doing quite well when I filled up the red-topped Rubbermaid tub that holds all these Christmas clothing items. I had thoroughly swept the entire house and hidden away all signs of the holiday. Operation Christmas over was accomplished.
But, as usual, I was wrong. It took me a few days to notice what was left out this year. It is really ridiculous that I missed it, since it is front and center in my kitchen. I noticed yesterday that my dishwasher was still adorned with the magnet Christmas tree with its cheery gum drop decorations and gingerbread people. Operation Christmas over— failed.
I haven’t taken the flat Christmas tree down yet. Maybe if I leave it in a place of honor on the dishwasher, I’ll fulfill my wish that Christmas could continue. I’m always a little sad when the holidays are over.
I’m not looking forward to the day that the Harbor Park Christmas tree in downtown Grand Marais comes down or when we take down the wreath outside the News-Herald office. Both looked exceptionally lovely today with a dusting of snow. I’m not ready for the stark gray skies and frigid cold weather without the twinkling of Christmas lights.
If my little magnet tree can make the magic last a little longer, it can stay. Operation Christmas continues!
Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
Calvin Coolidge
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