Fatigue, sadness and excitement were all on my daughters’ faces this morning as they prepared to go back to school today after the Christmas holiday and winter break.

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One of my daughters was particularly excited about going back to school, since she sports a new haircut (a haircut that was necessitated by an extremely persistent and large knot in her once long hair) and newly pierced ears today.

I was sad to drop my kids off this morning, as it means Christmas, which I spent weeks preparing for, and a week-long of shared family times, have already passed in a blur. Our New Year’s weekend, which we spent at a local hotel (with a pool) with family and friends, has also come to an end. Today probably should be the day that I start taking down the Christmas decorations and Christmas tree – I saw several trees by the curb today as I drove through town to take my daughters to school.

I could follow my neighbors’ lead and take down the tree, but what the heck – I am going to buck tradition. I love the warm glow of the Christmas lights, and what’s the harm if I keep the tree up until this weekend? Anyway if I go by the reasoning that there are 12 days of Christmas, I have until January 5 – which is Saturday – to take down the tree. Perfect timing.