Chasing Away those Holiday Blues

The holidays are finally over and you’ve made it through them without permanently losing your sanity. You spent months preparing and thinking and shopping for your loved ones and it was all over in a matter of a couple days. Now you probably have all this extra time on your hands and feeling blue because there’s nothing to look forward to for another year. This is a common feeling that millions of people deal with every January and February. But you can chase those blues away by doing a few simple things. Consider these tips to keep your holiday spirit alive until next year (or at least until life gets back to normal).

Keep the Halls Decked with Boughs of Holly

Instead of taking your Christmas decorations down right away, leave some of them up for a few weeks. Many people keep their lights up through January and some even leave their tree up. You can even think about leaving your tree up all year-round and decorating it for different holidays. After a few weeks, you’ll likely grow tired of them and want to rip them all down anyways.

Look to the Ghost of Christmas Future

Keep in mind the fun you had this past Christmas and think of how you can make next year even better. Think of some new traditions or start saving right now to reduce the financial stress next season. Start looking up new recipes to try next year. If you start now, you have plenty of time to practice making them (and tasting them, of course) before next year rolls around.

Make a List and Check it Twice

Write down everybody you spent time with this past Christmas and write them letters. Mention how much you enjoyed spending time with them and how you look forward to doing it again next year. If these people gave you gifts, thank them for it in the letter. Carry on the holiday spirit by promising to keep in touch (and actually do it) instead of only spending time together once a year.

Wait to See what Develops

If you still take pictures with actual film instead of a digital camera, save those undeveloped rolls for a couple weeks. When you’re feeling down, take them to a place that can develop them in an hour. The anticipation of seeing your pictures gives you a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation that you felt before the holidays were over.

Keep on a Wassling

Just because Christmas is over doesn’t mean you need to stow away those beloved Christmas carols. Putting some Christmas songs in your normal mix of music can help you keep the spirit alive throughout the year. If people look at you weird when you’re singing along to “White Christmas” in August, just remember to keep that smile on your face and remember the good memories that it conjures up.

Think of the Sales

The Christmas season is the best time for sales everywhere. Your local department stores have great sales, but car dealers do, too. The Annual Philadelphia area Mercedes-Benz Winter Sales Event starts before Christmas and runs through the first of the year. Who can be depressed when they’re thinking about sitting behind the wheel of a brand new luxury vehicle?

If you take these steps and your post-holiday depression still persists, see your family doctor or a qualified therapist. There could be something more serious that requires professional treatment.