Claire, I love your desciption. I don't mind the timing the way it is as much as I mind the stress we create around the whole season and the lack of stillness we allow for ourselves in so doing.

I think what we're looking for is the peace and the quietude you seem to understand so well. For me, I usually take the tree down before New Year's Day, but I realize it's because I am trying to restore the sense of harmony that was displaced by all of the craziness. I've never really considered it before, but celebrating through 12th Night is a way to enjoy the joys of the season without the stress we place on ourselves to have it all over by the 26th.

One of my most treasured memories of Christmas was a time I had done all that I was going to do for the holiday, very early on. Then I spent the solstice in a cabin on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, reflecting on the season.

Like you Gargoyle, I never send cards before Christmas anymore. I really like your idea of recycling them into postcards!

KT