As soon as Boxing day hits, I am done. I am done the tree dropping needles. I am done the “added holiday decor”. I am done eating so very, very much.

And having wine with lunch.

I am ready for life to begin again and to leap into the new year full of energy, creativity and optimism.

See, I am a starter. I LOVE starting things.

finishing is a little more difficult, but I am trying to improve.
Starting something though, that is like leaving the first footprints on fresh snow, or taking the first piece of cheesecake.

It is a clean, white sheet of paper, ready for a story to be told.

And yes, I do feel a little bit guilty boxing away the tree ornaments for another year, but the feeling of relief far outweighs it.

And we get out.
Outside. To fill our lungs with fresh air, and get our legs moving.

To digest.

We usually do a long hike, and dust off the cobwebs of being inside and TOGETHER for the last few days. We laugh, and explore and get our hearts beating.

This year we found a groovy little fairy house (how cool is THAT) and that certainly helped to inspire our imaginations.

And  once home, we clean, and clean and clean.

All the chores that were put aside while preparing for the Jolly Elf are now tackled. Socks are sorted and sheets are changed. Windows are cleaned and firewood is chopped.

Life is back to normal. Routine begins.

Wonderful, fabulous, decadent routine.

Over indulgence is done.

We are ready for real life again. Ready-ing ourselves for the New Year, and saying goodbye to the holidays, eager and anticipating the days to come.