I sat in the family room yesterday, working on my laptop. As I was installing my tax software, I looked over and caught the sun gleaming through the branches of the tree that still stands in front of the picture window. Do I still call it a Christmas tree now that it’s February? I don’t know. Maybe I’ll call it a Valentine tree.
I contemplated taking it down…for about two minutes. Then I said…”Nah, we love it!” So there it stands. It serves many purposes. It brings a lovely ambient light to the room in the evenings as we sit and enjoy this comfortable space we created. The blue-grey walls take on a deeper, muted tone in the pale white light. The mechanical angel on top continues her slow dance. I have the lights set on a timer to come on at 5:30. This is where I notice another benefit to leaving the tree up. When I first decorated it and set the timer, it had already been dark outside for quite some time when the lights came on. Now it’s still daylight, giving me a visual sign that the days are indeed getting longer and spring will be here before we know it.
I do whatever it takes to keep happy in the winter. Having gone through a clinical depression in the ‘90s, I am very careful about my mental hygiene when the days are so short. It is easy to become bored when you are stuck inside too much and it’s not a long walk from boredom to depression. They are one and the same…just different points on a continuum. I heard of a suicide yesterday. It made my heart hurt. With boredom, escape can come in sleep. With depression, escape can tragically become final.
Winters are long and dark enough. If leaving my tree up makes me happy, so be it. It very likely will become an Easter tree before I give in and take it down. At least the Christmas carols are gone! I am always glad to put those away. Six weeks of “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” is enough to drive anyone batty! ❤️
“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”
Psalm 36:9 NIV
I have a friend who has a tree she leaves up and decorated for each holiday…Valentine’s Day,St.Patrick’s Day,Easter & so on. She deserves a little brightness in her life having lost both of her children and basically lost her husband. He had a motorcycle accident over five years ago and has brain damage so now she is his only caregiver. She carries a heavy load.
I’m glad she has her tree. My heart is with her in her struggles. ❤️
Good morning, Ginny. I decided last year to decorate two slim trees for all holidays. They make me happy as you say with the lights and sparkle. Right now the theme is Mardi Gras.
Thank you for your wonderful posts.
❤️
I keep small trees on both side of the fireplace Year round. Lights are so romantic & soothing to me.
❤️
My tree is still up as well! All for the same reasons!
It serves as a beacon in the night when I get up.
I am sorry for the woman who is care taking her hubby. That must be difficult to lose two children then hubby has an accident.
Goodness, my burden is light. Funny though, light is the answer.
I keep the light of Jesus aglow in my heart and mind.
Thanks for your honesty in your blogs. Helps to know we are not alone in our emotions and thoughts. Gini from Georgia.
❤️
I think that is a GREAT idea!! I certainly know how you feel about winter and boredom and depression! We full-time and will find ourselves in a stationary mode in January due to my twice a year trips to see my Oncologist! I call January my “medical marathon.” Not only is it cold but campgrounds can get lonely in the winter as well. Add to that the anxiousness of waiting on reports and BANG you have those feelings!! The good news….all scans were clean and clear and all blood work was spot on!!! No cancer!! Today we are lifting the jacks and heading to Gulf Shores to be with other full-timers and enjoy God’s beautiful creation!!
Keep the tree up!!!
Praise God for those test results, dear one!!! Enjoy your new digs in Gulf Shores!!!! ❤️
My sister & her husband retired and moved to Gulf Shores, AL full-time. They used to stay at a campground close to the beach but recently bought a condo. ?. Going to the beach would help my mid-Winter blues.
❤️