"Timber...

...down she comes.  Just me and the Christmas tree, and all the rest of the holiday "stuff".   Why is it that MOM always gets this job?  Like cleaning up vomit, and disposing of pet accidents in the house.  Okay, before I get "outed"... gotta confess.  The Better-Half does the latter two because I'm easily grossed out.  So I guess I shouldn't complain about cleaning up the holiday accoutrement.  Yet somehow I don't let that stop me.

"Ain't No Lie Baby...Bye, Bye, Bye"
-NSync (yep, I'm quoting NSync)

There is nothing as OVER, as Christmas when it's over.  All those weeks of build up, and then BAM.  The dang ball drops in Times Square, Ryan Seacrest annoys me on the television yet again, I eat pork and sauerkraut on New Years Day, watch some football, and then?  Finito! I have tried extending Christmas in past years, almost perilously to the point of being called "White Trash" by the neighbors.  Disclaimer: I've never had to uproot Christmas lawn decor for the mowers during the summer months.  I admit, I'm not totally sure of the reason why I do not enjoy the beginning of January.  It COULD be I'm either still in the Christmas spirit, or it COULD be I'm just too lazy to pull down the decor. Probably a bit of both. 

I'm sure there are lots of psychological reasons that could be delved into as to my reasons.  It's depressing.  It's as if when I dismantle the tree, I'm also disposing of the ideals and possibilities of peace, joy, and goodwill towards man.  All those good Christmassy ideals and feelings Charlie Brown espouses.  It also means family is once again dispersed. Thing #3 is back at school.   The Better-Half back at work.  Thing's #1 and #2 are back to married life and no longer only MY Things.  I have to share, and I am not good at that.  And I am once again home...alone.  Just moi and the Christmas tree(s).  Yep, there is nothing as OVER as Christmas when it's over.

I guess I don't handle "empty" too well.  It's something I have to embrace and grow in to.  I just need time, and usually accomplish that by mid-February.  The spots where the Christmas tree(s) once stood, are now empty.  To make room for our tree(s) after Thanksgiving, is the end result of Rubik cube-like maneuverings of furnishings in our home (and some cursing, fa-la-la-la-la).  Each year seems to be a different series of moves that accomplishes my goal.  However, by time I take down the tree(s) in January, I stare at the blank holes in my rooms and always seem to have a difficult time remembering WHAT was there before the tree(s)?  "Ironically", I also seem to always realize that I REALLY LIKE where I moved my furniture to, and would prefer to fill the holes with something new instead.  Have I mentioned that January is typically an "expensive" month for the Better Half?  It's just my little way of extending the holiday "giving" spirit.

But I guess what it all comes down to, is that packing up the holidays does serve a purpose.  Whether I initially embrace it or not.  That bare house has a wonderful sense of openness.  Clean slates.  New beginnings.  Fresh possibilities.  Hmmm, sort of like the possibility of that new chaise lounge I've been eyeing for the open corner of the family room...where my tree USE to stand (until I took it down and don't want to  can't remember what went there).  Seriously, who doesn't love the idea of new possibilities?  (I'm speaking to YOU my Better-Half!).

If only I could as easily de-Christmas and un-deck those extra 10 pounds I seem to have put on since Thanksgiving.  Since the house is now empty, guess I have no excuse not to get back into the gym.  Timber!  God I hate when Christmas is over.

P.S.  Disclaimer:  the attire is my "just home from church and devising my de-Christmas-a-tizing strategy" clothing.  Rest assured, the UGGS came out when it was Timber-time.

Here's where I "link up" today.

(click on image for description of Song-ography)

Next Tuesday's Song-ography title suggestion is "This is the New Year" by A Great Big World.  
Come back and link up!