I Guess I Have To Admit Christmas Is Over

Here it is January 23 and I took the Christmas tree down today (finally to some of you!).  Unusually, I was ready and ironically, my family wasn't.  But alas, two strands of lights had gone dark and that is not ok to look at every day.

This is not the latest I've ever taken it down.  I believe February 5, 2011 is the current record.  No matter when I do it, though, I tend to get sad, hating to see the season end and settle into the bleak mid-winter.

So, in an effort to head off the meltdown at the pass today, I decided to experiment with listening to Christmas music (for the last time) as I put everything away.  It actually worked!  I'm still happy.  No sadness.  Naturally, I played MercyMe's Christmas Sessions first and twice, but it was a different one that helped seal the deal.

Matthew West.  He clearly gets me.  Here are two songs that make me smile and laugh and feel hopeful.

For before Christmas, we have this song:
click here if you want to listen while you read

"Come On, Christmas"

It's almost Christmas time, everybody
And I can't wait

I left the lights up all year ‘round
I just couldn’t bear the thought of takin’ ‘em down
I’ve been singing “Jingle Bell Rock” since July
All the neighbors look at me like
I’m crazy but I
I, got a feeling that I just can’t shake
You see it’s lasted three hundred sixty four days
And now I’m too excited, I can’t sleep a wink and
I stare at the snow outside my window just thinkin’

Come on, Christmas
I don’t know why you’re taking so long, Christmas
Well, I’ve been waiting all year for you to get here
And I can’t take another second, can’t you hear me beggin’
Hurry up, Santa Claus
Here’s my number just in case your reindeer get lost
I sure wouldn’t mind, if you’re early this time
So, come on, come on, come on, Christmas
Come on, Christmas

Well, there’s just something about this time of year
You can feel the excitement in the air
Everyone’s hangin’ with family and friends
And it’s making you feel like a kid once again

Steal a kiss under the mistletoe
While old Bing sings, “Let It Snow, Let It Snow”
The only thing that’s left on my Christmas list is
I’m hopin’ to catch a peek of old’ St. Nick

Come on, Christmas
I don’t know why you’re taking so long, Christmas
Well, I’ve been waiting all year for you to get here
And I can’t take another second, can’t you hear me beggin’
Hurry up, Santa Claus
Here’s my number just in case your reindeer get lost
I sure wouldn’t mind, if you’re early this time
So, come on, come on, come on, Christmas

Hearts are racing all around the world
Smiling faces on the boys and girls
Waiting just to hear those sleigh bells ring
Singing, come on, Christmas do your thing

Come on, Christmas
I don’t know why you’re taking so long, Christmas
Well, I’ve been waiting all year for you to get here
And I can’t take another second, can’t you hear me beggin’
Hurry up, Santa Claus
Here’s my number just in case old Rudolph gets lost
I sure wouldn’t mind, if you’re early this time
So, come on, come on, come on, Christmas

(Hearts are racing all around the world)
Hearts are racing
(Come on, Christmas)
Come on, Christmas
I can't wait any longer
And the feel is getting stronger
So what you're waiting for?
Come on, come on, come on, Christmas

And then for a day like today we have this song:
click here if you want to listen while you read

 "Day After Christmas"

Here comes the letdown Christmas is over
Here comes the meltdown, there goes the cheer
But before we have a breakdown, let us remember
The light of the world is still here

Happy day after Christmas
And merry rest of the year
Even when Christmas is over
The light of the world is still here
The light of the world

Come January I’m ready for summer
The Super Bowl’s over and I’ll settle for spring
Sometimes we all need a change in the weather
But it won’t change the reason we sing

Happy day after Christmas
And merry rest of the year
Even when Christmas is over
The light of the world is still here
The light of the world
The light of the world
The light of the world

So take down the stockings, take back the sweaters
Take down the lights and the star and the tree
But don’t let this world take your joy after Christmas
Take joy to the world and just sing

Happy day after Christmas
And merry rest of the year
Even when Christmas is over
The light of the world is still here
[x2]

The light of the world [x7]
  
Yup, everything's going to be just fine until November - it's only 10 months away!  The Light of the World is still here....and He loves me.  And He loves you!