With a blissful nothing on my calendar, mid-morning in my pjs, and a third cup of coffee, I am thankful – so thankful, for all blessings. Today, my favorite day of the year, the day after Christmas, holds the blessing of time – time to reflect and appreciate the gift of people in my life. Even with the sadness of those no longer here, I’m grateful for their presence in Christmases past. I look at the presence and presents as well, of those who share life with me now, and wonder, how could I be SO blessed?! I’m also thankful for hope of next year; maybe if I try, try, try, I can spend time more efficiently, be a better gifter, and be a planning pro – oh well, one can hope. For starters, I will drop the vision of an elaborate awe-catching Christmas cake! Why do I do that to myself when all they want is a Cherry-O-Cream Cheese Delight on a bought crust! I’ll make three of them next year. Oh the trauma of aftermath!

My sister says this is not her favorite day as she is only thinking of the job lying ahead – “taking it all back down”. I myself, am ignoring a mountain of laundry, dishes to wash, boxes, bows and bothers to put away. Many are back to work. (Thank you Lord, for retirement.) Some are heading to the gym to work off their regrets. And most sadly, some feel the aftermath of those missing from their seats; of disease stricken bodies; of houses in shambles from the strike of disaster. I’m reminded my day of bliss is only temporary. However, in this afterglow, in spite of scraps of wrapping paper floating in and out from under the furniture; in spite of the bulging refrigerator of left-overs; in spite of fatigue and expanding waistlines, it is my favorite day.

I spent a good bit of time this morning in my troupe of snowmen, naming each one’s giver, or what occasion coerced my purchase, and enjoyed their smiling faces as they welcome the newcomers. I’ve turned on the lighted ones, the snow globes, and played the music boxes, and silently thanked each friend and family member who gifted them to me.

The aftermath of cleaning up, clearing out, and taking down, will have to wait. I am basking in the afterglow of love, gifting and good cooking. As I enjoy another sausage ball and one of my sister’s amazing coconut balls, I watch my fur baby doing it best. He is stretched out sound asleep, arm over a new toy, watched over by three snowmen and topped off by an over-looking “Blessed” pillow. These are my ‘aftermath’ sentiments exactly, in symbolic form of course; overstuffed and tired, but contented, protected and blessed.

Our Christmas tree seems not to notice the unwrapped gifts, nor the unwound energy of its people. It stands as shining and pretty as ever, reminding me to keep on – to be as generous and cheerful each day of the coming year, as I am in the midst of our best Christmas days. I realize this has always been my favorite day; remembering and appreciating, both the aftermath, and the afterglow.

As a dear friend says in her signatures, “Blessings”, to you and yours!  Love ya, Trisha