My Christmas tree is still up. Lit with tiny white lights, adorned with family treasured ornaments, I am having a difficult time letting go of it this year. Our family tradition (half French) determines that the Christmas tree stays up until Ephiphany (or King’s Day), which is January 6; however, most Americans have removed Christmas decorations from their home by New Year’s Day. I guess I’m somewhat reluctant to really start the new year yet. 2011 went by so quickly.
According to Wikipedia, “In ancient Roman religion and mythology, Janus is the god of beginnings and transitions, thence also of gates, doors, doorways, endings and time. He is usually a two-faced god since he looks to the future and the past. ” “Janus” is the root of the name of the first month “January,” and marks not only a beginning, but a reflection on the past. So, as I look forward to 2012, I reflect on the events and traditions that I will carry into the new year and beyond. What traditions and culture will you bring to 2012?
Jan5
