It was the night after Christmas and I knew I was too old to be sad that it was December 26 and there were no more presents to open. Our Christmas this year was soft, low key, easy – just perfect for us.

Closing the garage door against the cold December wind whipping round the mountains, I felt it – a sense of foreboding that almost disguised itself as the old, youthful forlornness of the night after Christmas.

Stilling to notice the distinction between the two feelings, I realized the foreboding had to do with how it is now time to settle in for the long haul of winter. Even though the days have already begun to lengthen, winter falls hard and heavy until the first spring buds appear. Holiday preparations, decorations, pretty lights, parties, and family gatherings have preoccupied us, taking our attention off a primal knowing that we need extra care, heightened attention, and extra reserves of just about everything this time of year.

The next day, on a morning hike with Daisy, the Scots-Irish in me loved the bracing wind. Invigorating, it put a spring in my step. The light snow on the ground was pretty and I felt up to the challenge of winter. I remembered that throughout the winter there are monthly festivities to lighten the load. New Year’s, the Super Bowl, Valentine’s Day, and even St. Patrick’s Day give us excuses to gather and celebrate the human spirit in the dead of winter.

Perspective matters any time of year. It can make a difference in perceived happiness, contentment, and satisfaction. This time of year, having extra reserves of perspective might be a good thing to add to the list of heat sources, candles, flashlights, groceries, electricity-free games, food, drink, books, and water.

This time of year, perspective might be a way to give oneself and loved ones extra care and heightened attention.

When Christmas is over and there are no more presents to open, the gifts within (compassion, love, perseverance, humor, perspective, etc) can keep us company for the days ahead till spring returns, lightening our bodies and hearts.