It might not sound like much fun - but for me, this week of getting back into our routines has been another breath of fresh air! Don't get me wrong - we all needed that Christmas break. All of the carolling, cookie baking, eating, parties, gathering with family, eating, special programs at church, gift making, eating, gift giving, and general fun for a few weeks was a blast! (Did I mention I ATE a lot?!) I love to spend December evenings sitting by the fire and looking at the Christmas tree, contemplating the birth of Christ and what it meant to me, as well as counting all my MANY blessings.
After a few weeks of all this merryment, though, I confess I was itching to get back to a 'normal' life. (Whatever that is!) Back to regular bedtimes, wake times, chores, school, quiet time in the afternoon - just KNOWING what is coming next makes a big difference to my state of mind. The children needed to get back into our routines, too - even though they didn't realize it. All of a sudden squabbles are down, rooms are staying relatively tidy, they are even enjoying their lessons! After all, they hadn't seen their books for awhile. Whether they realize it or not, those lesson books are companions, and are missed when they are away.
So, I'm grateful for the break we have had. Christmas decorations are going to come down this weekend, the snowmen will go up, and we will continue on the path for this year. It feels good to be settled in again.
How about you - do you enjoy getting back into routines, or do you resist giving up the freedom of break time?
