I am sitting under a fleece blanket on the sofa next to the lit up Christmas tree. It’s a week into the first month of the new year and our artificial Christmas tree remains sparkling with tiny white lights and decorated with an assortment of meaningful ornaments. Almost every other year I have been eager to put away holiday decorations and begin the year with a clean house. This one is different. I feel like the longer it stays up the longer I can extend this special time with my family. Once all the snow globes, nutcrackers, and angels are packed away, we will all be looking forward: to work, to school, to graduation, to college, to time passing by too quickly…

As a writer, I am very fond of sitting and reflecting. It is my favorite part of this hobby. In memoir class I eagerly revisit memories from my childhood or days of early motherhood. I also enjoy simply contemplating my life and the lives of those around me. Getting ready for Christmas had it’s stressful moments here and there with the hustle and bustle of shopping, wrapping and shipping. However, each year I find it quite calming and comforting when I sit down to unpack our accumulated assortment of holiday decorations. With each ornament I place on the tree, I am drawn back to a different time in our lives (living in Texas and cheering on the Southlake Dragons). Or the delicate fragile ones that I always had to hang high so the curious little hands would not break them. My favorites on the tree are the ones made by the kids in school with pictures of their missing-front-tooth smiles.  Our tree is more of a reflection of our family’s life journey than a fancy Martha Stewart creation. I wouldn’t want it any other way!

Koda and Summer are asleep on the sofa. A fire is glowing. The bear nativity scene sits on the table at the window.  Like Mary “Bear” I am basking in the warmth and joy. Next week after my son returns to college, I will pack up everything and return the boxes to the attic. For now, that can wait. I like things just as they are.