As the first full week of 2020 begins, we all go back to “normal.” No more holidays in the middle of the week, no more parties to give or attend, children and grandchildren go back to school, and those of us who work will start a full work week. I spent the last couple of days taking down my Christmas decorations. I am ready to stretch forward, but am always a little sad to take the tree down. Our tree takes hours to put up and to take down. I like lots of lights for the ornaments to reflect in, colored lights like when I was growing up, and bubble lights. Once the lights are placed, each ornament is taken out of its box and hung while I remember what it means to me. Some are gifts from children and grandchildren, others from dear friends, some from my husband, some were made by me years ago. Each one has a story to tell so it takes me a little longer for me to put up and take down the tree. As my grandson (8 years old) told my daughter this year as they put their tree up, “Mommy, it’s a tree full of memories.” So I have passed my love for the tree down two generations now.
All the ornaments are now in their appointed box, safely stored until next year, with memories that grow each year. Memories of raising children, vacations, celebrations, family reunions. The tree is LOVE. It’s important for me to take the time to put everything away carefully as I cherish the memories. And then, it’s time to move ahead, to get on with the act of living each day. Of stretching forward to what is ahead. We have a new grandchild due this month. Memories yet to be added to the tree, and our lives. May 2020 provide memories for you too.
