The Post Christmas Cleaning Blitz

There have been many years when this day has been painful.

Many years in which the love expressed in giving and receiving has been twisted by the pain of debt and compulsiveness. For many years, my mother suffered from bouts of compulsive shopping. Her love language is "gift giving." As you can imagine, Christmas was a perfect storm.

But not this year.

She gave us three gifts as "jokes" from Santa's Sack which my nephew handed out:


Then, after dinner, she gave us one major gift each. Every single one was received with happiness and gratitude.

This was my gift:


Two sets of our "wedding" silverware. We only had four. At Thanksgiving this year, Mom noticed and asked me why there was kitchen silverware on the table along with the fancy stuff. Somehow, we'd just forgotten to complete it.

Daedalus (my husband, not his real name) and I also made an effort to keep the gifts to a minimum.

So, today, I went about cleaning up and putting things away with a much lighter heart than I have in the past. I woke up with the intention of putting the house "back to rights" and it has taken me just about all day. But it was a great day.

Daily Checklist:

weigh myself: yes

make bed: yes

wash breakfast dishes: yes, and lunch too.

Pick up House: Are you ready?

Kitchen:





Dining Room:





Front Hall:



and the Living Room:



Swish and swipe: Down, yes. Up, no.

Laundry: Started 2, Transferred 2, Folded 3, Put Away 2.

folding on the cleared Dining Table so I can listen to more of Great Expectations.

Make To Do List: no.

Do One Essential Task: wash and put away cutlery. yes! (above).

There is one thing I got too much of, however.


If, of course, it is possible to get too much chocolate.