Nature is at peace.

It is a time for new beginnings and dreams and chances to bring peace to our lives and our world. It is a time to start over; to make amends and to try to make habitual the good things. It is named for Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and ends. His two faced image is still on many doors in Europe for he could, supposedly, see the past and future and therefore, was all the wiser for it. So, in a sense that could be we as we know what happened in our past and we can keep or change that. Unfortunately, we don’t foresee the future but we can surely try to visualize it.

An interesting custom that began in the Old World and laid the way for our traveling or progressive parties was how neighbors and friends would cross the thresholds of others between December 31 and January 1 and be welcomed, hopefully, to taste the bread and wine and renew or strengthen their friendships of old. Food and small gifts were exchanged and then the parade continued to another house. Another old European custom was to fling open the door at the stroke of midnight to FOR SURE let the old year out and the new year in. Of course, also then all could hear the bells and trumpets ring out the old and usher in the new. Another custom that is very old world; my grandmother did it. She said it assured safety for all those who came into your home. She wrote in chalk above the main door (on the outside) 20+CMB+11. This was the year with the initials of the Magi in the middle and she contended that it promised safety for all those who entered for the entire year. Not a bad idea!

Anyway, when it comes to keeping your pad very rad in the new year, the primary concern you should have is to clean out the old, UNCLUTTER like there is no tomorrow.

It is time to go through all the closets but especially that linen closet and give away everything you have not used in some time except those “precious” linens your mom gave you! Oh Yeah!! Also put things away from the tables and consoles and surfaces and unless you LOVE them keep them put away and then you can flip them next year.

The tree for this month is the white or silver birch. This tree was considered magical by many because it reflected the moon. It makes a strong statement and creates a strong contrast to other colors and objects. If you could trim yours and find or buy some birch branches, put three or five or seven in a cool colored ceramic pot; it would be a very effective piece in your entry or living area. This month is a perfect month to focus on your entry. Be sure, in that area, that there is a mirror, a place to put your keys, and a lamp to welcome those who come. These three create a nice triangle and you could add a plant or something to soften things up. Your entry should be super cleaned this month and especially get to that overhead light which is super important. There should be some art work in there that defines who lives there and what they are about. The entry is VERY IMPORTANT. It sets the tone for your whole house.

Don’t forget to celebrate TWELFTH NIGHT or the Epiphany on January 6. This is the day the Three Kings finally made it to Bethlehem and is a time for opening your home, your heart and your life to new beginnings. Here’s wishing you a wonderful 2011. Many are probably thinking that a good bye to this past decade is long overdue.