Christmas is over, people! It’s 42 degrees outside, the ruts of ice and snow are beginning to melt, my husband’s got the doors open while he washes the floors, and it’s 10 days past Christmas. It is officially time to put away the tree and take down the trimmings. (When I say “it’s time,” I mean that for my household only. Leave your tree up ’til July 4 if you want to!)

Livia didn’t want to take down the tree. I explained to her that when May 7 comes around (her birthday, a day she’s already anticipating) we’ll have to celebrate Christmas by going to a candlelight service if the tree’s still up. She then gave her full permission to take it down.

Now it’s time break out the Rubbermaids and wrap up the ornaments until next year. This is not my favorite part of the season, yet it’ll be nice to have a reason for de-cluttering. Bring on 2008.