After the holidays are over - the gifts have been opened, loved ones hugged and sent on their way, and the hustle and bustle of busy schedules has settled back into the mundane - I often find I get a little blue. It’s difficult to return to my every day life after all the fun and excitement of December. On January 2^nd (or 3^rd, or 4^th), when I discover I have to return to the real world, I drag my feet a little bit and sigh a lot. I wish presents still resided beneath my Christmas tree.  I wish the family members who live far away were still near. I wish I could clap my hands and all the holiday décor would automatically pack itself up, for I know I have that to slog through yet. But worst of all, I know I have to make it through eleven months before it’s December again. 

Now, all of this is not to say that I wish it were always Christmastime. As much as I enjoy it, the holidays are far too exhausting to last all year. Travel takes a lot out of you. And there is a lot to be said for spending a relaxing evening at home without worrying about the needs of others. Personalities clash, and constant worriers like myself spend the entire time trying to make sure everyone’s happy, even knowing such a thing is impossible. The rich food, fatigue, and treks from house to house eventually take their toll, giving me some kind of illness by the end of the season. 

But still, I wouldn’t trade the holiday season for the world. And still, I’m saddened when it’s over. If, as Benjamin Franklin said, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results, then perhaps we’re all insane for perpetuating this cycle. However, I expect the blues to come. And I would find it more insane not to celebrate Christmas, and thus miss out on the most wonderful time of the year.