MY CHRISTMAS CLEANSE

I've spent the last 3 days doing the unthinkable.  

1.  First, I couldn't wait to rid my house of everything Christmas.  This has never happened to me before.  The first thing I did was strip the tree.

(Doesn't this look like a hostage-tree, with a hood over its head?!?!)

Then I cleared the stockings from the fireplace mantle.

Finally, I stuffed everything Yuletide into Rubbermaid storage bins. 

What in the world was going on?  

The only thing I left on display was the gag gift that I received from my friend, Tony.  Every year, we send each other the stupidest gift we can find.  This year, he outdid himself.  Who doesn't need a Redneck plunger?  

2.  Second, Duncan and I binge-watched Fargo 2.   We spent 10 hours staring at the TV screen, and loved every moment of it.  Yes, we broke for a few hours to sleep, but then it was back to business.  Duncan is convinced he could have arranged a great plea deal for one of the protagonists.  Ever the legal advocate.

3.  Third, late this afternoon, I saw this, and broke into tears:

Here it is a little closer: 

Yes, it's a sock.  A dirty sock.  I know, you think I'm deranged.

Why in the world would a sock bring anyone to tears? 

Because it belongs to my youngest son, Peter.  He left it behind, when he returned to Manhattan after Christmas.  To his home.  To that place that is no longer here, with Duncan and me.  

I know it's silly, but the sock reminded me that, after each holiday, I always have a bit of a hole in my heart, now that my sons are adults.  The quietness.  The small loads of laundry.  The two, solitary plates at the dinner table.  

It's just Duncan and me now.   

But that's OK.  Together, we will discover new ordinary moments that will make extraordinary.  Most likely, with grandchildren.  Thank God for those tiny people who are icing on the cake of life.  

I hope your holidays were wonderful, surrounded by those you love.  In time, I'm sure you'll take down your decorations, and dismantle the tree.  When you do, please relish the memories of the Yuletide season.  Remember the laughter shared with family and friends. 

Then go binge-watch some TV.