Sorting Out and Cleaning Up

 One thing the post Christmas week makes me realize once again is that we have too much stuff. Even with attempts to scale back gift giving and reduce  waste, we are left with boxes and wrapping remnants, cards, and ribbons, and despite efforts, some uneaten food that will be scrapped. Today and tomorrow I will attempt to put my home back to rights. DH is off until Tuesday as well, so I think by Sunday, we will also have all Christmas decorations packed up and stored as well. I don't mind normally keeping up until the weekend after New Years, the 12 days of Christmas and such, but we hit the ground running hard on January 2nd and no time for decompressing. Having New Years eve and New Years Day in a relatively organized state will do wonders for our transition back to the work and school world. 

I'm sad to share that I've had to be on line with work more than intended during the break as a colleague on my team lost her mother on Christmas day. It is a quiet time of year with most schools closed completely, but there are still things that come up that need attention. Again, though, I am happy to work in a place and with people that care about each other and step in as needed, as others have for me. Technology is great in letting me do this without having to brave the snow and below 0 temps. 

Besides my sorting out and cleaning up today, DD2 has a full day of show choir rehearsal before the big preview show Tuesday night. She has two of her three dresses at home. How to describe them? Her director used the phrase "color vomit", but I'm sure on stage they will look phenomenal. The one she does not have yet is being altered slightly and is just a basic black. I can post pictures after her first competition on January 6th, but can't give anything away before then. 

I did a little post Christmas sale shopping with DD1. I bought some wrapping gear for next year, mostly bags and tags, and some garland, but didn't need anymore wrapping paper. I also purchased a few gifts for giving through the year or potentially tuck away for next Christmas including an Axe body spray and deodorant set for my nephew, white twinkle lights for a few of DD2's friends that will be graduating to use in their dorm rooms, a magnetic bottle opener for my BIL's birthday in January, and a two piece really nice ceramic baking set. I don't know of any weddings yet, but could be a lovely shower present or a birthday or Christmas gift for next year. I also got DH a Griswold like Car with a Christmas tree on it-perfect since he is the ultimate National Lampoon's Christmas vacation fan. It all ended up on my dining room table. Who else is off work this week between Christmas and New Years? Is anyone else tackling the post Christmas clutter or do you keep your decorations up into January?