Most people have taken down their Christmas tree by now. Rumor has it that I have not. When I look at it, I see so much history, love, and family in the ornaments. The colored lights are so warm in the dark before dawn and in the evenings after the sun goes down. It’s peaceful, mellow. 

We’ve only just passed Epiphany, so really it isn’t out-of-the-question to keep the tree up. Yes, there are needles falling, but softly and slowly like the first leaves of fall. Santa is still perched on the branch by a tiny yellow bulb; I think he is already working on next year’s list as it sits in his lap. The tinsel shimmers and sparkles, especially when the furnace comes on and warm air gently starts the silver strands swaying.

In our travels this year, I found some beautiful old glass ornaments to brighten our tree. They hang among some of our favorites: a wooden canoe, a replica of a Flexible Flyer, a tree angel made from a pine cone, and a red jingle bell!

I think one more week is not unreasonable.