We will remember the name of the Lord our God. —Psalm 20:7

I used to feel sad the day after Christmas, when the festive decorations abruptly disappeared from the stores and the radio stations quit playing Christmas carols, because I wasn't ready to pack Christmas away. So I created a few of my own post-Christmas traditions to make the celebration linger longer.

I started by identifying the parts of Christmas I like best. I like our tree, but hardly have time to appreciate it before Christmas. So now, in the days right after Christmas, I get up early in the morning when the house is quiet and dark, turn on the tree lights and snuggle down on the couch with a cup of coffee. I savor the silence and solitude, a snippet of time when I'm not distracted by my list of before-Christmas responsibilities.

I love the music, so I continue playing my favorite carols until I've had my fill, which is at least through New Year's and sometimes whenever it snows, even in February. Who says we have to stop playing the music we like, especially when the words are true all year 'round?

I like the memories we make, so I take lots of pictures and add them to the Christmas photo book that I keep on a shelf near my desk. That way, I can reach for it whenever I want a "Christmas moment," even if it's July.

My favorite part is the love that flows from the celebration of Jesus' birthday, so after Christmas, I pick out one decoration that I won't pack away. Last year, I chose a leaded-glass manger scene, which I put on the kitchen windowsill. When the morning light shines through it, I remember that Jesus' love is alive and real today and every day.

Lord, help me make the Christmas celebration linger longer in my home and in my heart.

—Carol Kuykendall