Poinsettias have an irritating way of lasting forever. They’re glorious at Christmas, and can cost anywhere from five to fifty dollars, depending on the size and variety. Some people are callous enough to throw them in the trash after the holiday, but many of us keep them around for months. Because they’re so undemanding. Just a tad of water each week, and they’ll bloom indefinitely. I’ve even kept them alive out on the deck come summertime. But the truth is, I’m getting tired of looking at them in doctor’s offices, banks, and other places of business. They say every dog has his day, and this plant’s day has come and gone. It’s time to get rid of the poinsettia.
Why do I find them depressing, when they give so much pleasure in December? I guess it’s because they remind me of snow, ice and freezing weather. They’re almost as bad as those ice cycles some people keep hanging from their porch roofs all year round. Even this month, I’m seeing Christmas wreaths on doors, and deflated plastic Santas. I suppose if you’re a Christmasphile, those things don’t bother you.
I really loved Christmas as a child and teenager. But then, Christmas started having some bad connotations. Like the time I broke up with my boyfriend on Christmas Eve.. Or the New Years Eve when I didn’t have a date, and was all alone in a big city apartment. Later, when I was a working mom, Christmas turned into a stressful occasion. Presents to buy, cookies to bake, meals to host—wearing myself out while trying to make everyone happy. Then came recessions and money worries. Somewhere along the way, I began to dread the approach of the holiday season. No one knew I was thinking Bah Humbug while they were singing Jingle Bells. I was a closet Christmas Grinch.
The solution came upon retirement, when we could go South during the winter. I didn’t miss the snow while sitting on the beach, and seashells were the best Christmas decoration I could imagine. But one day, we realized that we weren’t up for the long trip. Once again, we’re home for the holidays, and buying poinsettias.
Yesterday, I stopped watering my plant. I won’t throw it out in the cold, but I’ll let it wither in the windowsill. . It’s time to get rid of the poinsettia and buy some potted tulips. Spring is only a few weeks away!