The Wife and I have only to take down the decorations, and Christmas 2009 will be over.
We probably won't do that right away, though, mainly because of laziness. Besides, I like having the house decorated. So, I figure mid-February or so would be about the right time. By then, we'll have the Christmas dinner dishes washed and put away, and the wrapping paper and ribbon picked up.
Actually, there wasn't much of any of that, 'cuz we're officially empty-nesters and didn't have to buy each other all the stuff we bought when the kids were home. The only wrapping paper we had was from the presents we went out a couple of times and bought for ourselves. I wrapped them up so we'd have something under the tree to open Christmas morning. I told The Wife that we simply would NOT become one of those couples who quit enjoying the holidays because the kids had left.
The Wife was really surprised when she found the snuggie from Wal-Mart that I'd taken off the hanger in her closet and gift wrapped.
So, what came next? Well, my one year and just-short-of-two-months into retirement is (are?) the first chance(s?) I've had since Christmas vacation in high school to watch as many bowl games as I want. And back then, there were only five -- the Rose, Sugar, Orange, Cotton and Sun bowls -- and they all, I believe, were played on New Year's Day. Now, there are 34 and many of 'em are great matchups!
The Wife, bless her heart, has been extremely tolerant and not said one disapproving word re all the football. Oh, once she almost hit me with half-eaten brat when I mumbled, "Uh-huh" in response to something she'd said about slacks, butt and fat. But I saw it coming out of the corner of my eye and ducked. She'd asked me just as the Hogs were driving for a TD! The next day, though, it only took a couple of hours to get the dried mustard and kraut off the wall. My cleanup efforts must have pleased her, because she seemed pretty happy when she got home from her lawyer's.
Seriously, both kids and their intendeds were home for the season and The Wife got to be Mom again and do for them and cook them all BIIIIIG meals. It was really pleasant. And Christmas Eve service at church always puts just the right topper on the tree. After all, Jesus is the reason for the season, regardless of what the P.C. crowd will try to get you to swallow.
Next year, I think we'll go to the Rockies and hole up Christmas week, just the two of us. I've wanted to do that for several years now, and I can't think of anybody I'd rather be there with than my best friend, the sexy wench, The Wife. (I hope she feels he same about me, 'cept for that "wench" part.)
Or if we can't go, I'll take some tango lessons -- and then, maybe, we can just dance....
