It's so hard to say good-bye...

I see you there, staring at me.  The snowy landscapes, the festive wreaths, the friends and family members smiling in front of Christmas trees wearing matching sweaters and probably saying, "Cheeeese!"

The thing is, it's January now, and Christmas has passed.  I just... I just don't think there's a place for you here anymore.  I know, I know, you really do add something to the bar in front of the kitchen sink, and you're doing a fantastic job of decorating the refrigerator, but the thing is... I have to dust that bar.  And, on the fridge... Well, soon there's going to be Valentine's Day artwork to showcase.

Please, don't cry.  I've really enjoyed the time we've had together, I have!  It's been fun to walk by and receive your season's greetings every day!  And, remember, there's always next year.  The faces will be a year older, the babies will have grown, I'll shake my head in awe at how big so-and-so has gotten.  The Husband will absentmindedly nod when I show you to him each night.  The Girls will ask who each and every person is a couple of hundred times.

And then Christmas will pass again.

And then we'll have this conversation again.

Don't be afraid.  Your job is done, and you served your purpose well.  Besides, I think in your case, I believe in reincarnation.

Thanks for the memories, Christmas cards.  See you next year!