I want to know why it is that New Year has such a huge effect on me. Every January 2nd (I'm usually still partying on the 1st) I feel like a totally new me. This morning, when DSSH's alarm went off, I didn't roll over and cover my head with the blanket. Nope, I jumped out of bed, made my bed, took my laundry downstairs, unloaded the dishwasher, and started cleaning up the post-party kitchen right away. I even started on my painting for Pablo and Monster Man. These are things I've been trying to get myself to do for 2 months now. My first feeling was that New Year's is almost like a baptism. Every year we get to ignore past mistakes and simply move forward. But that can't be it, I can pick any day of the year and call it a "New day." Then it dawned on me, what I'm feeling is total freedom from the holidays. Think about it, starting in October we begin, against our better judgement, buying, eating, and creating all sorts of sugary things. We start making, or buying costumes. We start decorating our homes. It is all fun and good but then the ball just keeps rolling on into November. The Halloween candy is barely out of the cupboards when the pies start a-baking. No sooner are the turkey leftovers finally gone and we start baking cookies and licking candy canes. All the while we are constantly running to the store to buy forgotten "must-have" items. And our house is never really clean, or if it is we can't really tell, because of all the decorations covering every shelf and table top. No wonder I was having trouble shaking my booty, by booty was tired and full and wanted a break. I can't tell you the excitement I feel at not having to rush to the store for anything. I finally put the scissors and tape away. All the decorations are put away and I can finally say that my ENTIRE living room has been vacuumed. And when one of my children asks if we can do something, or go somewhere today, I'm going to say, "sure!" and I won't even look at my calendar or list everything that has to be done before I can leave the house. I really do love the holidays, and I will be just as excited for them next year as I was this year; but, for now, I am so glad they are over. I guess I've just had WAY too much of a good thing. Happy New Year!
13 comments:
You've really thought this through and have hit the nail on the head. The holidays really do take a lot out of people. The next question then is, "How do I avoid the holiday pitfall next year? What are some things I can do to prepare ahead of time so I can enjoy the holidays without giving in to the ________(fill in the blank - enticing sweets, last minute present shopping, decoration overload, etc.)
You are having a great start to the new year. What are you painting for your kids? I'm interested in hearing/seeing what they are!
Cocoa, I agree and am already thinking that way for this year. One thing I've been thinking a lot about lately is how, in the old movies and books, they show that the holidays aren't really celebrated except on the day before and the day of. That sounds so much nicer than celebrating all month long.
You are SO RIGHT! That post-holiday freedom is great fuel!
I just barely got to see my floor since Christmas!
We always put the tree up on the day after Thanksgiving, and then by New Year's (or Christmas) I am so sick of it. Maybe I should just resist a little longer next year.
I'm glad you can eat cheese! I love cheese!! I don't know what I'd do without it in my diet!
I love this post...you totally put my thoughts on paper!
Heidi :)
I'm still enjoying our tree, but then it didn't even get decorated until Dec. 17. I like it that way. I think I tend to not go overboard on any of the holidays, I do more of the peaceful-quiet-surrounded by family celebrating. I'm not feeling particularly overloaded right now. It's nice. Our poor tree though really needs to go out. Maybe tomorrow :)
You can come undecorate for me! It's still looming over me. At least there is a deadline. The scouts are getting our tree on Saturday so we have to at least have that undecorated.
With a positive attitude like that you should be sure of a great 2008!
Oh that's me--suddenly I've got all sorts of energy starting January 2nd. I just need the kids back in school to get myself really productive, though I'm enjoying having them around.
So true! It is really nice to have it all done and put away. Life is getting back to normal again. Hurray!
I guess I'm odd man out today! I actually love the pre-Christmas-season, and I am totally into celebrating ALL month long. On the other hand, I also am a huge planner and I don't ever wait until last minute. I start my shopping a couple months before Christmas, I keep lists, and I leave enough time to get to "holidays errands/chores" when I am ready to enjoy them. And it worked for me this year. I really, really enjoyed Christmas and the entire holiday season. In my eyes, it was perfect. Because we get our tree up early and celebrate a great deal the month of December, the tree and all it's decorations come down shortly after Christmas, and "regular life" resumes. Our New Year is off with a bang, and I have a lot of excitement for what this new year will bring for my treasured family.
We also celebrate all month long. I think people get so "into" the holidays because its so blasted dark all the time! I know focusing on the holiday cheer helps alleviate the exhaustion that is caused by the weather & lack of light.
I'm the same as you with the New Year-being super motivated & in a good mood. I've started generalizing to have "new years" at various times of the year-fall for back to school, January (of course!) Spring because everything is new & fresh, summer because I have more free time...that helps me to stay on-task & motivated all year long.
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