How do you feel the day after a Holiday? Are you in a good place? Is it a letdown feeling? Is it quiet at your house? Are you napping? Watching TV? Are there teenagers or college kids home? Are you expecting more company or a late celebration?
It happens every year to me and you’d think I’d be aware, but like a monster from the dark, it bounces out. I love the Christmas theme of Jesus’ Birthday and the essence of HOPE. I love the gathering of family and sharing a dinner together. I enjoy the beauty and fullness of the church each year! I enjoy the grandchildren, their excitement, and all the delicious traditions!
Come the following day, and I am wiped out. Yes, I said wiped out.
Wiped out of energy! I put so much time into planning the different facets of the Holiday. I focus on Advent, the preparation of the Feast, the responsibility to be inclusive and giving. It is an odd feeling that overcomes me. Maybe it is all the extra physical and emotional energy that is spent over the days and hours until our family gathers.
This year I had extra help with the food preparation and with the physical work of moving furniture and tables. I am so grateful for it. As in the past, I am prayerful and attentive to those who going through medical and health issues. I have experienced the highs and lows of the Holidays for many years, so I have empathy. I am grateful for the thoughtful gifts given to me. And for the chance to unwind today. Sigh.
Maybe it is the sudden quiet after the loud noise of the season with all its commercialism. Did you I notice weeks of sales magazines flooding into your mailbox and requests for money?
Did the extreme colds and then the flurries of snow seem oddly draining? The weather did drain me. Out came all the scarves and gloves. And then today, it is oddly warm, sunny, and a mess from a heavy rain in the last 24 hours. The sun is so welcome and feels so warm and revitalizing, as long as, one is inside.
Before our company arrived, I sat down for a 5 min. texting break with my diet coke.
I actually did lots of cleanup outside and to our basement storage area this morning. I got up earlier than expected due to an excess of achy muscles and a sore back. The last few days of moving furniture and additional demands was a bit much.
Thanks to my husband’s cousin who stayed and helped with the final cleanup, much of the house was put back in order last night. I ran round with a hand vacuum and a broom this morning. This afternoon is “FREE” and unscheduled, except for a load of table napkins and kitchen towels.
Now I am just taking it all in. I love all the thoughtful gifts and well wishes. Rereading the cards, looking at a pile of new books to consume over the next 6 months. I had 8 non fiction next to my chair and a devotional book. Just added another 5 to the pile; 2 of them are fictional, and another devotional. They all look so inviting that I will have evenings filled.
So may you receive many Blessings as we go forward. I know we move on into the New Year with high expectations and opportunities. It is good to be positive, acknowledge your post holiday monsters and move them aside. Thanks to all the readers—mini miracles are yet to appear!