The halls were decked, the Christmas tree had lovely branches and although chestnuts were not roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost was surely nipping at our noses. We had Christmas, it was merry, and now I want closure. More importantly, I want my living room back.

A few weeks ago, I had a casual conversation with someone at the dentist office about getti

ng ready for the holidays. She said, "I don't decorate much. To me it all looks like clutter." Having just transformed my house into a winter wonderland, I was a little taken aback. But now that the stockings are no longer hanging, there are no wrapped presents under the tree, no anticipation, everything just seems, well, cluttered. And a little sad. I'm not sure when the switch flipped for me. I'm one who loves to leave the tree lit 24/7 leading up to the holidays; the soft glow of the tree makes me feel warm inside.

Now? I look at the soft glow and all I see are legos and bits of wrapping paper and tape on the floor. What seemed warm and cozy just two days ago now seems cramped. Christmas stockings are laid all over the place, their contents leaving a trail from tree to, well, everywhere.

But is too soon to say farewell to the holidays?

When I start to mention de-holidaying I get a few whimpers from the kids, who think that the holiday season should last as long as school's out. When I start to get serious, they usually scatter. Everyone loves putting the tree up, but no one likes taking it down.

Ready to be done with the holidays?

More often than not I hold out until New Year's, but each year it's getting more difficult. I'm eager to put everything in its place and start the new year with a clean, organized house. (A girl can dream, right?)

How long do you wait before taking down the holiday decorations? Do you even decorate at all?