On The Thirteenth Day of Christmas.........

Tis the time to be unjolly. Fa La etc. As Old Man Winter drones on, Old Man Santa and his Elves head back to the North Pole. Unfortunately they don't bother to clean up the seasonal debris that accumulated in homes of good little girls and boys around the world. We may not be the best little boy and girl in town but we do have a giant share of Christmas debris, aka decorations. There comes a time when the moon, stars and tinsel are aligned and the magical light that glows from every nook and cranny in our little antique palace starts to dim. (Let me tell you, there's nothing worse then a dim cranny) Suddenly out of the dimness emerges...The Spirit of Christmas is Over. When she swings into action a wise old man finds safe haven before he gets swept up and packed into one of the many plastic totes that cover the back wall of our garage. An amazing fact is that after taking into consideration the amount of things that are broken, worn out, or given away, we usually end up with just a little more heading back to the garage than came out of there only a few short months ago. Another thing that always puzzles me is that no matter how carefully and systematically things are packed away, next year one or more keepsakes will be missing for at least a few weeks only to turn up one of the Easter decorations totes. As the last tote finds its proper spot on the garage shelves the old guy creeps out of his hiding spot only to realize that his part of this seasonal ritual has yet to be tackled. Here's where Mother Nature springs to the rescue in the form of snow and cold weather. Yep it's the old "Outside Lights". The weather along with "Old Folks" warnings by the weather guy on TV give me a little reprise and a simple unplugging will add to the "seasons over" appearance. I promise, on the first warm, snow-free day, I'll be out there with my ladder, risking life and limb pulling those lights off my gutters.
Now as we settle back enjoying the new year and waiting for the arrival of the next Grandkid, (due any time now) the house takes on an almost serene atmosphere. But, it won't be long before those afore mentioned Easter totes will appear in our dining room and bunnies, eggs and chicks are the main attraction for a month or so. Then comes Autumn (Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations) and then the "Return of the Christmas Totes" starts again. I must admit that Jo does a wonderful job keeping our place cheerfully decorated and doesn't ask much help from me other than to stay out of the way during the metamorphosis. (except the dreaded "Outside Lights") So, for now I'll just unplug those "Outside Lights" and admire my nonseasonal house until the minor holiday stuff shows up (Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day and Groundhog Day).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

The "Staging Area" formerly the dining room table. All decorations must pass through this area before and after the Christmas Season.

A rare peek at the tote toting "Spirit of Christmas Over".