When I was a child, the day after Christmas was always the saddest day of the year. The hype was over – cousins went home; no more kitchen time with MawMaw; the tree looked forlorn with no gifts beneath it.
If Mama tried to take the tree down before Twelfth Night, I would cry and beg her to leave it up,
Just until Kings Day, please, Mama.
She understood the sadness in the little girl’s heart, thus she would leave the moribund tree up for a few days more.
Even now, it’s still hard for me to part with Christmas.
But I remind myself that there are twelve days of Christmas – I don’t have to despair that the first day has passed.
There are twelve full days to relish the season.
Twelve days in which the past relinquishes its hold on me,
and I am able to sit by the fire and crochet what is yet to come…..
…..while sharing a moment with a very special Cupcake.
Stacy Rambles 
It does seem so sad to celebrate Christmas for just one day. My daughter and I started early this year with our traditional baking days, (we had two this year,) and our shopping and planning began in late November. I love the family time together most of all, but also the decorating, the food, the carols, it’s all so much fun. Cupcake is such a little treasure. 🙂
Oh how sad. And beautiful. And poignant. I do love the crochet picture. I love the range of emotion playing up and down like a piano scale. I love our humanity. (At least in this moment I do.) Thank you for existing, Stacy.
You’re quite welcome, Kathy. I must admit, no one has ever thanked me for existing before (except maybe my mom who believes that my soul chose her to be my mother). I’m happy that I’m here, and I’m even happier that I get to walk through this life at the same time that you do. ❤
I’m so glad to live in a country where New Year’s is a major celebration right alongside Christmas. It makes it so much less melancholy.
Your beautiful cat looks like an excellent companion through all times of the year. So sweet.
Wishing you and your family many blessings in this New Year, Stacy. xox
I am glad that New Year’s day is a big celebration where I am from (southern Louisiana). We have a family tradition to keep the festivities going for at least another week. As for the cat – alas, she is my daughter’s feline and only visits every once in a while, but she is such good company when she’s near!
See you soon! ❤
I know that feeling, Stacy – it is over in a flash! It is nice that you continue to celebrate the lovely season of Christmas for the full 12 days. It is such a quiet and peaceful time – perfect for sitting in front of the fire with your needlework and a sweet companion. Your crochet is very pretty – it looks like lace? Wishing you and your family love and peace in the coming New Year and many new blessings. xo Hugs, Karen
Thank you for the wishes and sweet comments, Karen – I look forward to seeing you over at Beatrice Euphemie in the new year! ❤
Dearest Stacy,
To me the biggest shock when moving to the USA was the very abrupt ending of Christmas; no Second Christmas Day to be had here… But you are so right with the 12 days of Christmas and that’s exactly what we have lived by.
Hugs,
Mariette
I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas, Mariette! (With still four days to go.) ❤