Where is My Mind? (that in-between-the-holidays feeling)

I keep forgetting what day it is. All I know is that it is after Christmas and before New Year's. No one is really back to work, but they're maybe completing a task or two while shoving leftover, stale holiday cookies into their mouths.

The reality of Christmas expenses is starting to creep into everyone’s thoughts, and you might be questioning some of the “oh so fun” Christmas gifts you impulsively bought while scrolling Instagram. 

Okay, in full disclosure, I might be regretting the weighted sloth I purchased as a “family gift” because it was cute and touted its many calming effects. I am currently wearing the sloth over the back of my shoulders and don’t exactly feel healing properties.  

The other present that is still up in the air is the game with the hotdog and chicken you toss in the air and try to stick the landing before your opponent. Very simple and silly in nature, but it might be gathering dust in our game cabinet indefinitely after this week. 

I realize my description may not fully capture this game, so I've included the image.

For parents of school-aged children, it is about that time of school break when you are ready for school to resume. All the initial excitement and communal exhale at the semester's end is a distant memory. 

Now, there is the battle to try to get your older kids to go to bed by midnight, and the question of, “Why? It’s MY school break.” 

When you answer, “To get up and enjoy your day,” you hear the echoes of your parents' words decades ago. And when you really think about it, you realize maybe you would enjoy YOUR day more if you just let them sleep in.

Earlier today, I made the mistake of “interrupting” my son’s gaming time when I was cleaning. He acted put out, so I promptly dumped the contents of his trash can on his floor and told him to pick up his own room. AND said the universal parental comment that, “This is not the Holiday Inn.” That’s kind of where I am with my household today. 

What I should be doing right now is planning all of my goals for 2026 and reflecting on 2025. It has truly been a great year for life storytelling. I am fortunate indeed to make so many people happy this holiday season and all year long. But you can't be productive 24/7, and maybe that is what this week is all about? Sometimes you have to sit in the blah of this in-between time, maybe with a stuffed sloth on your shoulder, and embrace it. And eat another stale cookie. 

Happy (in-between the) Holidays and (almost) New Year!

Maureen