Easing out of Christmas

Easing out of Christmas. January 8, 2025. Over the holidays in my Advent devotional, Winter Fire, Chesterton talks about the savoring of Christmas after it has happened rather than quickly moving on to the next thing as we are so prone to do in modern culture. What has the season meant to us and what did we learn? Why are we in such a rush to pack it away the next morning? Christmas is not just a day, but a season of spiritual contemplation. While it is entirely understandable that people are tired after a three-month adrenaline rush Chesterton does make a fair point on having something of an aftermath when we are done rushing around and are more relaxed.

The devotional reading moved me on several levels. First, was to spend time thinking about these things in earnest. Not just a phew! It’s done! Let’s move on! But to spend the aftermath genuinely thinking about what I learned and how I engaged with the Lord throughout the season. In the same spirit I decided to leave up the Christmas decor until New Years. Typically, I have packed up all evidence of Christmas by the next day and out comes the Valentine’s and Easter decor before the first snowfall has even hit. And when New Year’s arrived, I did pack up most of the decor, but I also left a few things up in a gentle winding down of a joyous holiday. Mainly the cedar garlands, pinecones, some wreaths, etc. because they weren’t Christmas specific, but seasonal.

Easing out of Christmas

January is typically clean and white in decor, but why not keep some of the winter greens out? Spring is three full months away, so instead of pining for it by putting up Easter bunnies, perhaps just enjoy winter in its moment.

Some of the decor did get moved around or was shifted. Juniper garlands with their icy berries adorn the mantle along with pinecones. Some pinecones I foraged. Some I bought. Little juniper wreaths also went up.

I made some prayer candles that went up on the mantle for the shorter and darker winter days in which I tend to spend more time praying.

“Regular” decor items are tucked with some cedar picks such as these roses. Even in the bedroom I left up some Christmas!

So while January whispers on the memories of Christmas can further imprint on my heart for the year ahead.

Have a beautiful day!