Bittersweet

bit·ter·sweet
Pronunciation: \ˈbi-tər-ˌswēt\

adjective
Date: 1576
being at once bitter and sweet ; especially pleasant but including or marked by elements of regret

Well, maybe this word is a little strong... but as I took the Christmas decorations down and gently packed them away, this is the word that came to mind.

I love being surrounded by Christmas decorations. Each of them has a story and reminds me of loved ones close and far away and even more meaningful loved ones that have passed away. The sights, sounds and smells of the season fill my heart and spirit.

It's so sad to pack them away, just when the darkest dreariest months are here, just begging for some twinkling lights to brighten and warm the days and nights.

But then... I think...

Maybe just having these decorations up for a month a year is what makes them so very special.

I guess I can keep the sparkling mica snowflakes up for January. And the mercury glass, the antique white glass ornaments, the snowmen, the bottlebrush trees...

Our Christmas celebrations actually aren't over yet. In the next ten days, we still have two more work holiday parties. And my side of the family will have our Christmas celebration! With busy schedules, travel, and winter weather we have decided not to stress ourselves out, but to set a date when we can relax, celebrate and enjoy each other's company. I'm lucky I still have a little time as I haven't completed making the table favors quite yet. (And I can't share since my mom and sis have been known to stop by this blog ;-)

"I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year." -Charles Dickens

I'm feeling better already.

Blessings, Patti