On the Twelfth Day of a Feminine Christmas
There can be a touch of melancholy when Christmas day passes. For me, it reminds me that time is charging on. But I try not to let that thought overwhelm me and instead deeply enjoy the slower days in between. It helps to have a bit of snow and some easy-going festive plans or to have a good book to get lost in.
I do think however, that our serene lady above, is merely taking a New Year breather before she tackles getting her house back in order. Perhaps this is the sad part, putting to bed our lovely Christmas things that filled us with such joy just a few weeks ago.
Nevertheless, she seems satisfied with her holidays and I think she may just be ready to dismantle the tree and take down the stockings. I leave my little tree up until January 6th, the Epiphany. The white lights on the tree (sans ornaments) remind me to continue to steer towards the light which by February will illuminate our late afternoons again. Eventually that light will lead spring down my driveway along with its soft winds and buttery atmosphere.
Each year, I promise myself that I will pack my Christmas trinkets away in an orderly fashion. Since my daughter left home, I have a much smaller collection and everything fits into one box that slides under the stairs so nicely. I will wrap my special things carefully though. It doesn’t really take that long anymore and I always keep my eyes on the reward for my hard work.
The prize is a swept away and tidy house. Suddenly, my living room feels spacious again and clean. Gone are the heavy Christmas books from the coffee table, the large basket filled with leggy paperwhites which have been clipped and arranged in a crystal vase. Actually, I love white flowers in January and don’t mind the air filled with the scent of a small bunch of lilies. There are plenty in the markets in January.
While I put Christmas to bed, I follow the lead of our satisfied woman-of-the-house above, by keeping a candle lit on the dining table….the legend is that Bayberry candles bring good luck for the coming year and I think that I might just have one. I will have a glass of mineral water on ice and later a small bit of wine if I am so inclined. I let peaceful music waft through the house while I store the detritus of my Christmas. Soon I am left with an expansive feeling inside rooted in the quiet nature outside my door and a feeling of renewal for the new year. I’m sure our model is reflecting on how cathartic this part of Christmas can be…
As for this blog, I want to thank you all for the kind comments you wrote here and the emails I received from you. The first seven of my dispatches were written at the foot of my daughter’s hospital bed. She had a nasty case of pneumonia but she is doing well and was back in her home by Christmas. I am grateful that I could write, that I have an audience and a message that touches women (and some men) and that my only child is doing better and will be returning to her teaching job soon.
Happy New Year!
12 Comments
Cherre Henderson
Happy New Year, Donna! I’m glad to hear your daughter is doing much better. I love read your blog even though I may not always comment. It’s so beautiful and nostalgic at times.
Karen
I always look forward to your Twelve Days of a Feminine Christmas. I sometimes get all outta whack during this season and I love your gentle reminders that peace, calm, and beauty are a choice that is mine to make. I had a very un-chic day yesterday although I later celebrated a beautiful evening. As I read this twelfth day this morning on January 1st, I saw where I went wrong yesterday and felt myself slide back into the flow of grace. Thank you for writing your beautiful thoughts while your daughter was so ill. I wish you a happy New Year and many joyful surprises as the year goes by.
xo The Other Karen
A Lovely Inconsequence
Thank you so much Karen! I’m so glad you came back to your groove!
Leigh Higgins
So lovely to read this on the first day of 2025. I enjoyed it so much. Very glad you’re daughter is recovering well and was home for Christmas. Wishing you and yours a wonderful 2025. Happy New Year. Your reflections mean a lot to me.
A Lovely Inconsequence
I’m so glad to hear that Leigh!
Grand Pam
May God bless and keep you and yours in 2025! Thank you for thinking of your readers for your post are wonderful and needed! Looking forward to enjoying them this year! May you feel God’s blessings daily.
A Lovely Inconsequence
And God bless you too Pam!
Cherre Henderson
Happy New Year, Donna! I’m glad to hear your daughter is doing much better. I love read your blog even though I may not always comment. It’s so beautiful and nostalgic at times.
Karen
What a precious reflection of the womanly art of restoring order after celebrations and holidays. I really loved reading this, Donna. Your musings are so keenly felt and beautifully expressed. That you kept writing when your daughter was hospitalized is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with your readers. Have a beautiful new year!
Tracy
How kind of you to think of us when your daughter was suffering!
I really like the idea of a just white lights Christmas tree. I think I’ll try that this new year before everything gets stored away.
I’ve heard that in the past people decorated their tree on Christmas Eve. I can see why that would make tree time a shorter and more precious occasion.
Quick recovery blessings to your daughter and wishing your family a Happy New Year!
A Lovely Inconsequence
Thank you Tracy!
Dana
Happy New Year! Very sorry to hear about your daughter’s illness and happy she is recovering. I love Christmas but take the tree down on the day after! I just want a clean and fresh start for the new year. I can’t thank you enough for your beautiful blog. I often read previous posts when insomnia strikes as it is such a calming feeling. Wishing you a very happy new year.