Even though the ornaments are still on the tree;
And even though the lighted reindeer are stll on the lawn;
The week after Christmas has a stripped down, self contained aspect.
The stuffed Santa knows he will soon be put back in the old sea chest,
And the sagging branches of the tree know they will soon be outside on the curb for recycling.
It feels like there is more air and more light (well, there IS more daylight!);
It feels like the first peeling back of a layer that will reveal a sturdy newness, something unused, fresh, and real.
There's a grandkid kicking a ball on the back lawn, and the Christmas lemons
are ready to pick.
A happy newness to all and to all a good year!
