One week

That only one week separates Christmas Even from New Years Eve and Christmas Day from New Years Day has always fascinated me. Such an odd pairing of what have always been, for me, two greatly different days.

Today, the final day of the year, I am stretched out on the couch, sipping mint tea. I’m returning to the routine of life. I’m calm and in search of peace. I’m making preparations for a new year.  And that’s how I do new year’s eve.

But at this exact minute last week, we were bustling with preparations. Wrapping last minute gifts, baking last minute cookies, searching for last minute traditions. Traditions like curling up on the couch and watching Frosty the Snowman (Baby’s first viewing and, I have to tell you, I think she fell in love). The house was full of excited energy and a strong desire to tie up every last detail in the prettiest bow.

And it was worth it. Christmas morning was lovely. Enough to make any two-year old, Baby not excepted, ask every evening since, “Is Santa coming tonight?”

There were surprises and gifts that felt so perfect, you’d think that the giver had been reading your thoughts.

There were new babies that became instant friends over breakfast.

There was good food, great family, wonderful warm feelings.

Yet, at the same time, when the holiday was over, all I could think was ‘I can do it better.’ I can make it more magical, more special, more Christmas. And next year, I will. Planning ahead for days like this is one of my new year’s resolutions… but more on those tomorrow.

As tempted as I am to take these final hours of 2011 to look back, reflect, reminisce, I’m not going to. 2012 is about looking forward. Moving on. Taking the lessons we can take but otherwise, letting the past be the past. I need that clean break, that fresh start, this year more than ever before.

So here it is. The end of my last post in 2011. It’s been a great year for me here and my eyes are focused up and ahead.

Happy New Years, everyone. Hope you have all kinds of fun celebrations planned. As for us, we’re sending 2011 off with tutus and tea parties.