Time has seemingly stood still for much of this 2020 year. So, why would the week between Christmas and New Year’s be any different?! It’s a period that should really have its own designation. But perhaps something that doesn’t make you [or others] blush when you speak it. Taint. According to the Urban Dictionary, New Year’s is the butt-end of the year and Christmas is all the goodies. Yep. And that’s how you get the in-between definition. Radical. Try explaining that one to your Grandma.
Whatever you want to call it. It’s a weird period. A bizarre purgatory. A warp zone.
Days that don’t seem to exist in real-time. A full week of ambiguity as we wander around aimlessly wondering what day of the week it is. And why is that?
Maybe it’s because I just crammed nearly a months’ worth of calories into a couple days and now my insides need their own vacation. So this week is the perfect excuse to just sit around until I’m forced to rejoin the ranks in January.
Maybe it’s because the kids are home from school. Oh wait, they’ve pretty much been home from school since March. Nope, it’s not this. Moving on.
Maybe it’s because I’m not actually preparing any formal meals since the fridge is packed with leftovers and the counter is piled high with cookies, cakes, candy and straight up granulated sugar. You know very well time loses all meaning when you’re not planning your day around breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Maybe it’s because my kids need some dedicated existence to play with their Christmas gifts, for you know very well they won’t touch over half of them when time starts to count again.
Maybe it’s because when you turn the news on, you don’t recognize anyone. Calling all interns. Those Top 10 lists can’t read themselves. Important current events just got put on hold until the rest of the world is back on track. Except COVID. Not even that can escape the taint of the season.
Maybe it’s because all those folks who started listening to Christmas music the day after Halloween need a lengthy bereavement period.
Maybe it’s because the trash and recycling pickup are off. You know your week is scheduled around that day. Especially when everyone is home for ALL. THE. DAYS.
Maybe it’s because I need an entire week to sulk on the shortcomings of 2020 to help remind me what I want to change in 2021. And believe me, I’ve got a list going.
Or maybe it’s because we just spent a huge amount of our time, energy, resources and emotion to prepare us for one day. And despite how you spent your Christmas this year, it takes a period of time to see us through the holiday hangover. In the words of my awesome little nephew, I need some alone time because I’m grumpy in my soul. Indeed. We could all use this undefined stretch to restore our soul, give us space and allow us to take in all the moments that brought us here. Both the wretched and the wistful. Because in a matter of days we’ll find ourselves entering another unfamiliar territory – a new year with what we can only hope brings new beginnings. An immense amount of change, healing, and health that we all crave so deeply right now. And that in and of itself is worthy of this enigmatic time.
Weakness for Words 