By this point in January I always begin to suspect that the date on the calendar must be wrong because I’m fairly certain that they’ve added at least twenty days to this month. Every year it feels sooooo long and every year this feeling seems to take me by surprise for some reason. Maybe it’s because I’ve had eleven months to try and forget about it.
We’ve been experiencing a prolonged string of very dark, gloomy days with only the occasional brief glimpse of the sun.
So, I decided that I would unashamedly keep garland on my mantels a bit longer.
And I’m very grateful that I decided to go with a more winter-y theme to my entry because it required literally no changes to be made once the overtly Christmas decorations were packed up.
The soft colors and textures with just a little bit of sparkle are perfect for this time of the year.
The greenery stayed on the mantel in the family room too and having the twinkling lights come on when we are starting the day while it still looks like it’s the middle of the night outside makes it just a tad less painful.
The hot cocoa station remains on this table just beyond the kitchen and I’m still refilling the jar of marshmallows for those in the family who take advantage of this winter treat being available for a bit longer.
The other day, I shared in my social media communities that I’ve been finding that my spirit is matching the dreary weather much more than I would like. My heart feels heavy.
There is a great deal of darkness (literally and figuratively) around us and I have several dear friends dealing with very difficult situations.
In these times of ‘winter’ in my soul, I have to be even more intentional about choosing to keep my focus on the things that I can control and release to the Lord the things that I can’t.
I set about making my house feel as cozy as possible.
I relish and savor the sunshine whenever it dares to peek through the clouds.
I gather inspiration for warmer weather projects.
And, most importantly, I rest in the comfort of the sovereignty of my Heavenly Father knowing that my ways are not His ways.
“God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work…” Job 37:5-7
Blessings to you today friend,
Vanessa, Such wisdom from one so young. Thankyou.
I know January can seem never ending but now in my seventh decade I enjoy the time of quiet and rest after the holidays. A cozy throw,a good book and a hot drink are just what I need. I leave lots of faux candles nestled amongst some good artificial greens on the mantle,bowls of pinecones and boxwood on our diningroom table and just bought some fresh flowers for the coffee table at the grocery store. Every morning I count my blessings and thank God for all he has given me. Life is good even on the dark cold days of winter.
Kathy thank you so much for your kind words! It sounds like we have similar winter style in our homes and I, like you, have been trying to remember to take the time each morning to start the day in God’s word and with a heart of gratitude. Blessings to you!
I left my garlands with twinkle lights up as well. I pull things down gradually after 1/6 other than the blatantly Christmas decor. I can’t stand it gone all at once either. After I give a small nod to Valentines Day, I know in just a few weeks I can put Spring decor out, but u til then I live just having Winter decor and twinkle lights out. Oh, and lots of candles and battery operated candles. 😊
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one with garlands and twinkle lights still up! And DEFINITELY lots of candles for sure. 🙂
I just found and joined your site. I love your idea of doing what works for you. Doing what help you through these bone chilling winter days and might. Especially in March. I love the idea of keep something from Christmas up for a while longer past the holidays. No rule is written that all must me gone at a certain time. Don’t let the winter blues get you down. Out of the blue march 1, 2022, I loss my soulmate, my husband of many years. He was only 61. I can’t tell you what this loss has done . I misses him daily, along with this horrible time of the year. And so much more. If it was not for God’s love helping me in so many ways. Even when I think he’s not helping me. Hang in there, this stage of the year shall past too.
I am so happy I found your site
Thank you so much for your comment! I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband last year. I will be praying that you will feel the comfort of the Lord surrounding you, especially this time of the year when hard things in our lives feel even harder because of the weather. <3