It’s an art, coming off Christmas. I’ve tried it all kinds of ways, like ripping down all the decorations the day after Christmas and getting back to “normal” by sundown on December 26. Now, that’s one way to go about it. For me that’s similar to what I’d imagine coming off crack cocaine cold turkey would feel like. I’ve done it, but it leaves me dizzy, sick and depressed.
Here’s the method I’ve found works best for me…slow and easy. Let me explain…
On December 26th I start saying no to Myself…just yesterday morning at 7:00 Myself said: “I want pecan pie for breakfast.” I told Myself: “No”. Then I went on about my business.
Now, at 10:30 when Myself came back and said: “Ahemmm, I’d like pecan pie for brunch.” I said: “I’m coming off Christmas slowly…so go ahead, have pie for brunch”. See how easy is that!? That’s the way I proceed with my food compulsions until I’m finding comfort and security in my routine of more healthy eating. This takes approximately 2 weeks. I’m not even kidding. Two weeks and I’ll be nibbling on these babies instead of sugar cookies…
Now for the decorations… I leave them up until after New Year’s Day. I do this in the interest of coming off Christmas slowly and because I think the Holidays start on Thanksgiving and go until New Year’s Day. I’m in no hurry.
So in the week between Christmas and New Year’s, I’m off the hook! I love this week Peeps. It’s a great time of reflection. I love looking back and seeing what I can glean from victories and mistakes of the waning year. And while I’m at it, turning my focus to All Things New. What will I do differently in the new year? Do I dare make resolutions? (Last year I didn’t … this year I am!) I look at the books I’ve read in the past year and think about which one I liked the most. And I make a list of books I’ll read in the new year, I’ve already ordered 3 from Amazon that I can’t wait to get started on! Here they are…thank you Julie for the tip on The Help!
I also start making lists of organizing projects to be done in January. I spread the organizing out so it doesn’t overwhelm me. Inevitably after the Christmas rush my pantry, my fun room and most of my cabinets need an overhaul. But since I’m easily overwhelmed I find that jotting down certain projects on certain days feels easy. Or at least easier! In January 2009 I did a bunch of Organizing Monday posts. Check them out HERE if you need some organizing inspiration. I’m in need of some myself. (The posts are under All Things Organized in the pull-down menu!)
So that’s the way I’m coming off Christmas. Tomorrow I can’t wait to tell you about a project I’m starting in 2010! But first, what’s your process for Coming off Christmas? Quick and complete or slow and easy?
I think I’ll go for your book list and skip the organization….actually, last year you got me into the glass jars in my pantry and the plaid shelf paper. 🙂
Oh I love this post! It is really hard to have it all be so inundating and then all of a sudden over. We keep our decorations up until at least New Year’s but I can’t ever seem to resist my urge to start organizing right away! But you’re so very right…the lists seem like a good idea for overwhelming projects. Thanks for the book ideas…I’ll have to check those out!
I’ve read 2 of the 3 – I just adored The Help. I will have to get the Sugar Queen. Thanks for sharing
.-= Jo´s last blog ..Christmas Meal =-.
I am a slow and easy girl….I work on my online photo albums with Shutterfly during this week of the past years pictures and reflect while I write text, etc. It is my way of reflecting—I make goals for the next year in the form of a celebration paragraph…I did this last year and it was much more motivating than seeing a list of resolutions, etc. You sit and pretend it is the end of 2010 with pen and paper and you have kept your resolutions/accomplished your goals ….you write what you celebrating at the end of 2010 and how you feel after accomplishing or doing those things…it takes a little practice….but once I got into the swing of it…it is more fun than making lists and I put it in the beginning of my journal to read when I get discouraged or need to get to refocus/slow down.
I am into the Janet Evanovich Stephanie Plum series right now because it makes me laugh and I need a little humor…thanks for the other book suggestions…I will keep them in mind. I plan on cleaning and organizing before I go back to work on Monday….:(
Jennifer…this is the most AMAZING way to put your mind into the new year that I’ve EVER heard. I’m going to make some hot chocolate this afternoon and snuggle in my fireside chair and time travel to the December 2010 … this is simply divine! Thank you
At home, I’m coming off Christmas the quick and complete way. I started taking everything down yesterday and will be finished and back to normal today!!! It relieves a huge weight off my shoulders to have it all down and put away.
At my shop on the other hand, I’m taking it slow and easy. I’m closed through Christmas and New Years, so I can enjoy alittle R & R. I will open on Jan. 7, with a huge 3 day storewide sale. I’m hoping to sell most of what Christmas is left and more. Then I will pack up what Christmas is left and put it away for next year. Then it’s the dreaded process of getting all my paperwork done for our personal and 2 businesses for the accountant to get my taxes done. Ooooohhhh how I hate tax time. I almost would rather be shot in the foot than to deal with it! =)
I’m write there with you about snaking on all of the junk – I need it OUT of the house and SOON!!
I wait until New Years to take down the Christmas decorations as well, mainly because I’m EXHAUSTED and tired of a “MUST do list” it feels good to spend a week doing just what ever I WANT to do!! I did get a few things taken care of yesterday and it felt good.
Organizing…….yes, I’ll be working on that in Jan as well!!
Happy New Year Robin!
~TidyMom
.-= TidyMom´s last blog ..Following my Bliss =-.
“Coming off Christmas” what a great idea!!
.-= Ann´s last blog ..Merry Christmas =-.
I love how well you know yourself and how that translates into being gentle with yourself. We’ve been resting and taking it pretty easy these past few days and I am getting anxious to return to normal as well. You are going to love The Help!! I loaned it to a friend so I haven’t finished it yet but I can tell a few chapters in it is a great read! Happy organizing and good luck with the Christmas detox!
.-= Vicky´s last blog ..Christmas Eve 2009 =-.
I must admit I’m a slow and easy after Christmas gal. I enjoy the tree for the week after Christmas, something about reflections and peace it brings. I slowly put away other decorations leaving the tree(s) until last. I hope to become better organized in the new year and will look at your posts for inspiration. I have also heard great things about the book THE HELP and plan to put it on my reading list for 2010.
Huggs…………….Linda
.-= Linda @ A La Carte´s last blog ..MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! =-.
Oh, I am definitly a slow and easy one. I keep the Christmas decorations up til about mid Jan. I have so much invested in it and enjoy it so much it is hard to take it all down and pack it away! But it seems there comes a day when I just need to PUT IT AWAY!!!!! Then I do and the house seems bare but calming in a away. I have realized though this Christmas season that I LOVE the colors, and may be adding some RED in my kitchen this year! I will refer to your organizing tips cause winter is always an organizing time for me. Like you, right now my pantry, cupboards etc. are a mess and need SERIOUS attention! Thank you for the book suggestions! I got 2 books for Christmas that I asked for but will go get these 3 too! XO, Pinky
I am definitely slow at getting back to normal. I like taking the week between Christmas and New Years to enjoy all the decorations I’ve put up, that I really couldn’t before because of wrapping presents and baking. I also take this week, to think about all the organizing and cleaning out I want to do. And, a list helps me out tremendously because I do not get that overwhelmed feeling taking me over. I remember when every January they had white sales! That always got me in the mood to clean and start fresh. :0)
.-= Eileen´s last blog ..Christmas Greetings! =-.
I’m glad to know that we come off of Christmas in much the same way! I wean myself off of decorations and start my new year cleaning a few days after. I spent twelve hours cleaning and reorganizing the kitchen yesterday. It was so messed up that my brain can’t accept that it’s clean. I’m off to revisit your organization posts.
P.S. I subscribed to you via email so I can stop missing your blog during my blog respite. Some of the best cheating I’ll ever do. 🙂
.-= Anita´s last blog ..Gift Idea for Book Lovers =-.
Considering one of my little trees stayed up until June this year, I think it’s safe to say I’m in no hurry… 🙂
[to clarify, it only had lights, no decorations… so I’m not totally insane…]
.-= gitz´s last blog ..Brought to You by the Letter L =-.
Your dog is adorable! What breed is he/she?
.-= Bonnie´s last blog ..Stop Unwanted Catalogs in 2010 =-.
Bonnie…We have 4 pups…3 Maltese and one adorable rescue. Also, in any given photo you may see my daughter Emma’s 2 pups (both Pomeranian) or my daughter Bethany’s pup (a yorkie-poo)…the daughter’s pups don’t live here although they visit a lot!
Like you I hate coming off the holiday to fast. It leaves me longing for that feeling and spirit again. This year instead I have redecorated our Tree into a New Years tree, and have also redone the fireplace mantle. As well as the dining table and buffet. So far this is much more enjoyable than just ripping every thing down at one time. Drop by sometime this week and check out the New Years tree.
So glad I found your blog.
.-= Treasia/TruckersWife´s last blog ..Simple Woman’s Daybook =-.
Treasia…I’m coming over! Can’t wait to see your New Year’s tree!!!
I also leave my Christmas up till New Year’s Day. I enjoy seeing it all- and it’s so much work- I want to leave it up long enough to enjoy it. I’m slowly but surely nibbling away on all the sweets and leftovers (hate to be a waster) and on New Year’s Day- we’ll enjoy a big ol pot of beans and after that, I always start some sort of healthier eating plan….but not until. These treats aren’t common at my place so I want to savor every.last.bite.
Have a wonderful new year!
.-= sherri´s last blog ..The after Christmas SIlly Saturday Photo Caption COntest =-.
First, found your blog through the home tour at Nester and love it!
Second, I rip Christmas off like a band-aid. I have my Christmas things down already- minus one tree that I actually keep up year round-and in the basement. For me this week is about gearing up for the new year. You know, a running start? So today I organized the Christmas shelves in the basement with new labels. Tomorrow I’ll tackle moving my TV cabinet to the other side of my family room and clean out my pantry and refrig, etc, and so forth.
January 1st will be all things new and dare I say, clean and organized!
Michelle…you make me want to rip it all down and be ready to start new by 1-1-10!!!
My Plan: One ornament a day! I should be “all done” by this time next
year!! BTY, You have come a long way since the days of Lucy & Miss Piggy: )
Love you,
dad~
i go back and forth on this. my house feels cozier when the decorations are up, but i also like the swept clean feeling of having it all put away. this year, things are hangin’ out longer than usual, and will most likely be put away Jan. 1. for once, i may be sad to see them go back in their containers. i think this has something to do with the shortness of the season between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.
i spent most of yesterday reorganizing our master bed closet, which my husband had unceremoniously dumped all over our bedroom when he decided to paint the closet and the adjoining bathroom. after umpteen trips and 5 loads of laundry, i feel much better! ORDER–love it!
i’ve read The Help–you’re going to love it! i’m going to check out the other two from my library…they both look quite interesting as well. wish i had the gift of creating stories…
.-= jenn´s last blog ..Just for Grandma =-.
oh, forgot to share about my best friend’s tree. a few years ago, she and her husband had an argument about who was going to take it down (it’s artificial). since neither wanted to do it, it stayed up ALL YEAR. the Christmas decorations came down and were replaced with hearts for Valentine’s Day, baby booties for a sister’s baby shower, flags for Memorial Day/4th of July, etc., until it was time to put the Christmas ornaments on again.
.-= jenn´s last blog ..Just for Grandma =-.
Now that’s a great idea Jenn!
i’m reading the sugar queen–are you to page 223 yet? best lines of the entire book so far! thanks for the rec. would love to chat with you about it…
.-= jenn´s last blog ..2010. New Decade. Same Ol’ Need to be Organized =-.