The decorations are down, and everything is bare again. That is the part of the season that I dislike. There is something about holiday decorating that raises my spirits. Now we are back to the grey winter months. Yes, there is a birthday this month that the cray paper and balloons will come out. And I might have a gathering for some old and good friends.

But those lights and the smell of a fresh tree and ornament’s hanging signals a time of family and smiles and peace to me. Here we are a few days into the new year, and they are gone again.

As I boxed up the last of the lights, I think how quickly this year came and went so in no time we’ll be pulling these boxes out again.