Epiphany

– I see you still have the Christmas tree up.
– Yes. It is a final flourish. One last evening of festive decoration and sparkly lights before it all gets torn down and thrown out with the rubbish.
– You don't really need to tear it down: you could dismantle it carefully, seeing you can use the decorations again next year. Likewise, being an artificial tree, it's a bit of a waste throwing it out with the rubbish.
– Well, perhaps I was exaggerating slightly for dramatic effect. I wanted to put across the angst I feel at the end of the Yuletide season and the commencement of the – for want of a better word – New Year.
– Angst?
– Yes. Angst. It is a common affliction.
–  But Christmas comes and goes, and in eleven months' time will be here again. It is like the circle of life, but involving presents and sherry trifle. There is no point in railing against it.
– It's just that I had been so looking forward to two weeks' holiday away from work.
– And you had a pleasant two weeks' holiday.
– Quite. It's over now, and I had to return to work today.
– But the New Year is a time for optimism and rejuvenation: think what opportunities lay before you, waiting to be grasped.
– ... I'd rather be on holiday.