Afterward . . .

We take down the tree.

There is something sad about that activity. It signals the end of Christmas and an end to the gathering of family that comes with Christmas, an end to the bright eyes when someone gets a wished-for gift, an end to the reminiscing about Christmases past, times when we were all here together, funny things Wayne did that we'd love to see again. And an end to the singing.

Lola sat and played some Christmas songs for us, a lovely background music, and some of us sang along. Our traditional Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains. And I Wonder As I Wander, Let It Snow, Deck the Halls.  Later I went to Andrew's house for dinner, and we had a lot of spontaneous singing there, and I learned that George sings, and he knows the songs, words and music.

Andrew's family and their What Month Was Jesus Born In? were the hit of Christmas Eve. We demanded a second performance.  We had our regular chili and corn bread. (I'm thinking next year should bring a new something to eat on Christmas Eve. We'll see.)

We had a good time, but it's over, so today I have taken down the tree, put away the nativity scenes, the Santas and Christmas doo-dads, and the favorite wreath that Lola made for me.

Sad, yes, but also satisfying to put the house back in order. It's time to move forward. The new year, 2014, approaches. It will bring its challenges and heartaches, no doubt. But it will also bring that baby boy Larsen we have all been watching and waiting for. That will be a joy for all of us, especially Alyce and Ben. Our wish and prayer is for all to go well.