I just don't like it -- putting away Christmas, I mean. I must be the last person in our neighborhood to take down the tree, pack up the ornaments, and put away the garland and wreaths. I've pondered what it is I dislike about it, and it clearly is much more than the work of it all. It's seems deeper than that. Certainly the memories of Christmas "play forward" as they say, so it can't be that either. What is it? What could it be? Perhaps my real displeasure about "putting away Christmas" is more spiritual in nature. Is it possible that I just don't want to let go of the liturgical season that emphasizes the mystery of the Incarnation? Could it be that packing up the visible reminders of Christmas symbolizes a packing up of meditations and reflections on the gift of God's love revealed in and through the Babe in the creche? Yes, I think that must be it. A spiritual reluctance to let go of the real treasure of the time. How, then, can the spiritual significance of Christmas "play forward?" Following is a short list of some helpful suggestions to keep the Spirit of Christmas alive in our hearts throughout the year -- yes, even throughout Lent: 1. Keep the creche displayed in your home throughout the year. Pause throughout the day to reflect on the mystery it portrays and the new life its mystery brings. 2. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is revealed to us in numbers of ways each day. At the close of the day, take a minute or two to consider the moments He was "born" into your life that day -- in the circumstances, interactions, events, joys, and sorrows. 3. Make a novena of the Joyful Mysteries. Each day, ask Our Lady to give you her perspective of that particular event from her life and that of her Son's. Journal your insights and see how this helps to enliven your appreciation of the Incarnation. You may find that you want to do this a few times through the course of the year. 4. Consider the question: How can I birth Jesus in the hearts of others today? and then seek specific ways to be a Christ-bearer throughout the day. At day's end, review the ways in which you helped Him to be "born" in the hearts of others that day. 5. Angels were present at the birth of Christ and ministered to Him throughout His life. Ask your guardian angel to be more present to you in the events of your day. Look for your angel's involvement and be sure to thank your angel for the blessings he brought. Perhaps these suggestions will help you and me to keep Christmas alive in our hearts even after the decorations have been taken down and put away. Oh, and by the way, Father Ed once told me that it used to be a custom in Europe to keep the Christmas tree up until the Feast of the Presentation on February 2nd. Then, the villagers would gather and burn them all together -- a brilliant bonfire signifying Christ's light. So, since my tree is still up and the feast day is not all that far away..... Johnnette welcomes you to add your comments about keeping Christmas alive in your hearts throughout the year.