down the Christmas tree before summer. And while I sometimes greet the end of the holidays with relief, I can't help feeling a little sad when that last ornament is packed away. So, I was thrilled when a friend shared her family's method for banishing the postholiday blues.
Every year, usually on January 6 (the Feast of the Epiphany and the end of the traditional 12 days of Christmas), her family has a quiet supper before taking down the tree. Beside each plate is a small package holding a single button, which has been chosen for its significance to the recipient: a flower button for a gardener, an anchor for a sailing fan and so on. Each person sews the new button on his or her stocking before packing it away until next year. My friend marvels that her kids are as excited to unwrap their buttons as they are to tear through the packages on Christmas.
FAMILYFUN TIP: For unusual buttons, try thrift shops or specialty suppliers, as well as www.dressitup.com.
