The stockings are still hung by the chimney with care.
Except today they are empty.
The Christmas tree continues to glow brightly in the corner of our living room.
But the two presents remaining underneath look a bit lonely.
The Christmas flowers my husband blessed me with a few days ago are beginning to wilt and wither.
The not-so-long-ago freshly-baked Christmas cookies are starting to lose their flavor.
Family and friends no longer gather together.
And to top it all off, life has gone back to its normal routine.
Now is when the post-Christmas blahs can creep in.
For many of us, we planned and prepared for Christmas for weeks. We did all we could to make it a special holiday for us and for those we love. When it comes and passes by all too quickly, and when reality smacks us in the face that the magic of the season is over, disappointment can set in, and so can the post-Christmas blahs.
I know because I have been there, and done that.
A number of years ago, however, I came to the realization I was awry in my thinking. Even though the Christmas holiday was over, and life returned to hum-drum normal, it was still beautifully alive within me. Just because December 25th came and went, I didn’t have to wait for 364 more days to live in the hope it offers. And there was no reason to allow the blahs to settle in, because I could celebrate the birth of Jesus every moment of every day.
Christmas isn’t just one day a year. It’s a gift we can embrace and share every single day.
That’s the year I decided to leave one Christmas decoration or ornament out to be a reminder to me the rest of the year to live in the spirit of Christmas. Even in spring. Even in July. Last year a snowman who was crafted by one of our children years ago sat out on our kitchen windowsill. He was my reminder of Christmas all year. He was my reminder of the hope, blessing, and joy that accompanies Christmas.
I’m not sure what my reminder will be this year, but I will choose something else to replace my snowman.
If you’re finding the post-Christmas blahs creeping their way into your life and heart this season, I encourage you to set your thoughts on Jesus. Embrace His birth and the blessings God extends to each of us through it. Even though the world can distract us from the true celebration of the holiday, our hearts yearn for the hope it offers.
I invite you to join me in keeping out one Christmas reminder for the remainder of the year.
Christmas can live in our hearts all year long.
And that my friend, will help us avoid the post-Christmas blahs.
Much love to you today,
Julie
Well… I don’t get the post Christmas blahs. What I feel is freedom and relief. All the clutter and crazy are done and I can breath. But you have given me a different perspective to think on when my almost annual forgotten item makes itself known, sometimes weeks later! (ornament window clings, door mat, one of my kids seasonal craft pictures…) And maybe, just maybe, depending on what the item is, it may stay out all year.
I understand, Kim. I pray you are finding time to breathe these days. Happy New Year to you! I’d love to know what item you find weeks later! 🙂
I like the idea of leaving an ornament or something out – I do that, too!
I’m not the only crazy one then. 🙂 What are you leaving out this year??