This is the Part Where I Breath a Big Sigh of Relief

Whew! It's finally done. All of the Christmas decorations are down, as in dusted, wrapped, packed and put away until November 28, 2008. My house looks strangely empty, like I don't have enough furniture or something.

One of my favorite days of the year is putting the decorations up, but equally as enjoyable is taking them down. The decorations look great because they are supposed to make the house look and feel all Christmasy and cosy, but I generally like the "less is more" approach. And seriously, is it possible to live by that creed when it comes to Christmas decorations?

I think not.

So when the day comes that I am able to get my house back in order after the madness that is Christmas, I am overjoyed. The clean lines of my home become visible again when I remove the garland and lights. I replace pictures of the kids with Santa with my old, familiar pictures of family and friends. It's like rediscovering my life once a year.

I was out on the deck taking down the lights on the railing, and Gracie asked me what I was doing. I told her that Christmas was over and that it was past time to take down the lights.

Gracie: But I like the lights!

Me: I do too, but we can't leave them up. It would be tacky.

Gracie: But I like tacky.

My poor baby. She's going to grow up to be one of those people who leave their lights on the house until July. The wooden snowmen in the yard will fall over around February and leave large brown patches on the lawn. The chickens in the front yard will choke on the tinsel that has fallen out of the tree, or possibly get electrocuted by the frayed extension cord hanging from its branches.

I'll be right back...I need a paper bag.