The seasons come and the seasons go.
It will be sad to say goodbye.
I have become quite used to having them around - just like old, familiar friends. Memories, keepsakes, family treasures (all gathered together in one little corner of my home).
Reminding me of Christmases past and the overwhelming excitement of my children on Christmas morning.
Reminding me of friends and family - (who are no longer with us) and just how much I miss them.
Reminding me (that just like a few of our favourite ornaments)- we too are starting to get a little tarnished around the edges!
As I carefully place each decoration away (ready for their long hibernation) I can't help but wonder what the year ahead will bring?
It will be another 11 months when next I cast my eyes on them again. If only I could look into a crystal ball and know what awaits us. But would I really want to know?.........
For me, the taking down and packing away of the Christmas decorations symbolizes the end of an era. The end of a time we will never get back again. I used to wish (particularly when my children were little) that I could just "freeze" time and that no-one got any older and we just stayed the way we were. In some ways I used to look to each new year with trepidation - fear of the unknown.
However I have come to realise that with every new year comes new beginnings and new opportunities to capture special times and special moments. It may be the end of one era but the start of a fantastic new one as well.
So, here you go my beauty! As I tuck you away safely in your box I look forward to seeing you again in 11 months time and sharing with you the stories of 2011. Hopefully the year will be kind to my family (and the planet) and that when I lift you from your box and string you once again in your rightful place over the dining room table, I will be able to say - "Wow - 2011......what a year. I can't wait to tell you all about it!"
You expressed so well what I also feel at this time of year. It is such a time of reflecting which can get me, like you said, worried about the future and wishing things would stay the same. There is so much to look forward to, but it is always bittersweet to say goodbye to the Christmas and year just past.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, all I do is shove them back in their box and think, thank goodness that's over until next year!!!! You have now made me feel quite heartless!!
ReplyDeletePerhaps it is because without the children at home anymore it has lost a little of the magic. We used to take each piece down and remember where and when it came to us as we carefully wrapped them in tissue paper.
Hope that rain is not affecting you and that you stay nice and dry and the power stays on!! xoxo ~ J
I know the feeling Sharyne and enjoyed your post :)
ReplyDeleteBest wishes in the coming year, I hope you are able
to open the boxes in December with a smile.
Jeanne xx
You are so brave - I am not ready to part company with my Xmas friends. I seem to push it out more and more each year. I love how Xmas decos bring a house to life - even if it already has it - they add an extra zing. Avoiding it like the plague at the moment. Is Feb 1 too late? So close to mid year Xmas - why bother?!!!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post Sharyne. Thinking about the new year can sometimes feel a bit daunting, worrying what lay ahead or feeling totally positive about it too. Thank-you for your comment on my blog today. I think it is the best comment I've had so far, it has totally encouraged me and made me so happy to know that I have inspired you in some way.
ReplyDeleteThank-you so so much for your lovely comments all the time. I truly appreciate the feedback.
I put my Christmas decorations away yesterday. The children helped me so there weren't many moments for me to feel sentimental - I was too busy checking things weren't getting broken!!
ReplyDeleteI'm always amazed at how big the rooms look when the decorations are down. It's like having a whole new house back!!
Sarahx