Packing up Christmas

Christmas is over and my feelings are always bittersweet.

So much of the season is about memories of past holidays and of those who are no longer with us. The few decorations I put out this year are those that hold special meaning — the needlepoint Merry Christmas door hanging my mother made; my mother-in-law Bobbie’s red tablecloth which perfectly fits our round table, inherited from her; the Christmas tree skirt made by my sister Anne while she was battling chemo in the 70’s. I feel their presence surrounded with these objects they loved.

The first year Keith and I were married we had very few ornaments, so I decorated our little tree with the white bows and flowers from our wedding gifts. I continue to add those to my tree, 37 years later.

Now my tree is full and each ornament represents a milestone in our family – Adam’s first Christmas; pictures from kindergarten glued to construction paper; a swimmer for the year he won state for freestyle and butterfly; tourist ornaments from our many travels out west; Adam and Jess on their wedding day. And each year I add more – this year a beautiful blue and white ball from Venice.

Scattered among the branches are some from my parents’ house; the cross-stitch Wake Forest circle made by my college friend Anne forty years ago; and assorted University of Kentucky, Georgia and Clemson mascots.

Especially important to me are the angels I place at the top of the tree, each for a loved one who has passed on. One is from my aunt Grace, who was always interested in whatever I was doing. Another was given to me by Bobbie, made from a magnolia blossom. I had admired it when we were shopping at the Christmas Open House in Calhoun one year and she went back and bought it for me. A small gray-haired angel reminds me of my mother; I picked it up at a store in Dillsboro, NC, coming home one year while she was sick. And a beautiful pair of wings were given to me by my good friend Laura Lomax after my mother died, engraved with an Emily Dickinson line. Close to the top with the angels are pictures of our pets we have loved.

As I carefully pack the memories back into their boxes, I lay Christmas 2023 to rest. I am thankful that my family is healthy and happy, and that we had time with Adam, Jess, and Maisy, our granddog. I’m grateful for a busy season with friends and church family, and that I was able to give to others.

Baby Jesus didn’t stay in that manger, and it is time to look ahead. All the old memories are not happy ones. One important lesson I learned in 2023 was not to ruminate on the past, but to gently let it go and move forward.

I’m reminded of Paul’s words:

Brothers and sisters, I myself don’t think I’ve reached it, but I do this one thing: I forget about the things behind me and reach out for the things ahead of me. The goal I pursue is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.

(Phil. 3:13-14, CEB)

As I reach out ‘for the things ahead’, I’m ready for the new year. Let’s see what 2024 brings!