Maybe it’s just me, but I find this first week of January to be the worst time of the year.

It’s not the time of the year — it’s a great time of year. Everyone is full of optimism about the days ahead, every new year holding the promise of something better.

No, my sadness comes from having to put away all the holiday decorations. I always try to hold on to them as long as I can. They must at least stay up through New Year’s Day.

So far this year I’ve managed to keep them up, perhaps because of the days of the week on which the holidays fell, but I did relent and unplug the outside lights. Not so for the interior.

I haven’t been turning on all the lights inside, I just haven’t unplugged the interior timer by the front window. The Christmas tree has been coming on faithfully as I cling to the memory it represents of a successful, cozy holiday.

As I pulled into my driveway late Tuesday night, I missed the colorful cheerfulness of all the outdoor lights. But in the front window was the twinkling tree and a brightly lit sign reading “joy.” I have to admit it did make me smile, while making me feel guilty at the same time. I did think that perhaps I should be sure to unplug the sign, although I’m not quite sure I’m ready to give up the lights on the tree.

It’s a process, you see. The holidays are my favorite time of the year, and all the decorations are a part of that. Letting go each year takes time.

This weekend I’ll dutifully drag all the bins out of the garage and begin packing it all up. The house will look strangely barren for a while. After a few weeks, the empty walls and clear windows will feel normal again.

Then it will be Valentine’s Day. Look out, honey, I think I’ve got a couple of heart-shaped light sets!

-Kathy Reed, editor