Two Thousand and Twenty-four has settled in. My poinsettias knew it about a week before Christmas. They had grown spindly, and the leaves were dropping at a rate of two a day no matter how much I watered them. A glorious red poinsettia that I bought at Costco still flourishes so that everyone remarks on it. They, like I, have thrown theirs out.

Another sure sign that the holiday season is over? The happy new year greetings have tapered off. Nobody has said that to me in a couple of days. Christmas vacations are over, people have returned to work, and as of today, January 8, kids have gone back to school. The streets are less crowded and grocery stores have returned to normal. 

Those of us who are retired can have our streets back. Midweek shoppers and vacationing kids were driving us crazy. Our deserted matinees were filled with families and groups of teens and young people who crowded out the concession stands and stole our favorite seats (the cushy chairs in the handicapped section). We’ve been like nervous kittens when the house is full of strange guests.

One of my neighbors still burns outdoor Christmas lights which seems a little prolonged to me; but, who am I? I agree winter holidays are the happiest of the year. They even have joy themed names: grateful Thanksgiving, merry Christmas, and happy New Year. I understand that it’s hard to give it all up, but there is still a little to be gleaned from it. 

Now that the crowds have deserted the stores, stock up on next year’s ornaments during the clearance sales. Buy booze in the Christmas themed boxes for your next party. Experiment with new holiday recipes to prepare for next year. Play Christmas music while you cook. Go see the Golden Globe nominated movies and you’ll be ready for the Oscars. Before you know it, Valentine’s, then St. Patrick, and Easter will be here. Finally, the biggest holiday of them all—Summer will have arrived.