During December we always put up the Christmas tree. The space around us feels smaller, more intimate. The holidays are close as we cuddle in closer during the cold and dark days.

But holidays come and go and eventually we forget about plugging in the lights, just small annoyances now that the tree is in the way, or getting dusty. Trying to go around it to open the window or close the curtains. Simple things.

Feelings of cozy, no more. A space slowly shrinking. Suffocating.

We’re low on energy after the holidays, the kiddo sure kept us busy — getting close to the teenage years, so it’s... difficult. School starts again after nearly 3 weeks off. It’s busy. The tree still there, looking drab and sad. It’s plastic so it doesn’t shed. Just taking light away from the biggest window.

At home we feel blocked in, and going out to the world feels so crowded. It wasn’t like this just a week ago. Maybe it was just the last and everything felt it was closing in, suffocating your ability to think. Everyone stumbling over each other without much thought or care. It was snowing and then just wet and miserable. A reminder that winter is still here. Everywhere felt busy and bustling. Perhaps the Christmas and New Years calm now no more.

We took the Christmas tree down on Friday night. We left the decoration on the dining table. It was late.

The morning came and we tidied up after. A shift in space. We cleaned the decorations and tree. Put them away for another year.

The days are longer now, the sun shining into the biggest window, blue skies, opening up the space we live in. Inviting us. Welcoming us.

A new day has arrived.