How are you doing so far adjusting to the new year?

To me the new year is like the dress shirt that you got every year for Christmas from dear Aunt Edna when you were a kid. Not unexpected, it arrives on schedule in a box wrapped in soft, white tissue paper. It comes folded down and pinned up, and you have to do some work before you can try it on and parade it around for everyone to see. You stand awkwardly in it at first, the creases are so sharp and the fabric so stiff. You definitely can’t slouch in this shirt although it’s at least two sizes too big. Mother has already discarded your old shirt so there’s no turning back. You’re forced to wear it whether you like it or not.

 By April, the collar and cuffs are starting to show signs of wear, and it’s starting to feel more comfortable. When the calendar hits September you will have had to replace a button or two and maybe patched a small tear, but you’ve definitely grown into the shirt by now.  You put it on every day without thinking about it. Looking ahead in December, you toss it to the back of your closet, hoping to hide it away, to keep it just for comfort  when you need it. But you won’t be wearing it again. Aunt Edna’s already bought the new one. You can depend on that.

So, how are you doing? Have you unpinned the new year yet and started to wear it?