The "In Between" Time

It's a bit strange but in the past, I've pretty much considered the holidays over after Christmas. I never have been much of a New Years celebrator and so the day after Christmas, the decorations starting coming down and I was done.  But, this year, I have been a little reluctant to let go of the season. I still enjoy lighting the tree in the early morning and in the evening. Since the last of the Christmas leftovers have been consumed today I will feel that the season has come to an end. Either way, I probably won't take down the decorations until New Years Day or maybe shortly before. 

It was a good Christmas, better than I anticipated. I was very much into the spirit of the season early this year.  But plans that I had decided on 2 years ago were not to be and that made me feel disappointed and, I admit, a bit cheated.  The hospice organization I worked for had a hard and fast rule that you were not allowed to take an extended time for days off at Christmas. That meant that unless you could make a quick 2 day trip, it was pretty difficult to spend Christmas with out-of-state family.  Therefore, I had emphatically stated that this Christmas since I was retired, I would be spending with one of my kids. For lots of reasons though, this wasn't possible.

This Christmas was quiet - just Mom and me, Christmas Eve with our big dinner and then riding around see the Christmas light displays in the neighborhood. Even Christmas Day at my brother's which usually was busy and noisy with people popping in and out, was quiet. It turned out to be a very nice, relaxing Christmas where I could turn my attention to her. It was not the "big family-lots of grandchildren" time that I had originally planned. but as it turned out was just what we needed.

I've included a few photos here.

Mandy with one of her Christmas toys.

Mom and Mandy

A close up of the tree.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!