Post holiday depression. It’s the day after Christmas. The gifts are exchanged, the house is a mess, the fridge is stuffed with leftovers and you’re suddenly faced with more work and less joy.
Many people suffer during the holidays from a combination of loneliness, grief and guilt. Others crash after, when unmet expectations rules. What to do?
- Express yourself. Grieve over the loved ones who no longer share the holidays with you. It’s ok to miss people, but delight in the happy memories. Tell your travellers you will miss them, and commit to staying in better touch. If you feel sad because you didn’t get one minute alone with your son, put a note in next year’s calendar to go out for coffee by yourselves when he visits. But also recognize that you can call, write, skype, text, email, send photos, ask for opinions, share articles, and do many other things to stay in touch all year long. Don’t “save” communication for the holidays!
- Remember that your life is way more than this Thanksgiving-to-New Year’s holiday rush! Look forward. Make plans to do activities you enjoy, and hold yourself accountable for taking action. If you want to see more of your family and friends, make those plans.
- Ditch guilt about gifts. Could any amount of money or anything you buy really express how much you love someone? Gifts are tokens. Be a year-round giver of what you can afford in time, support, compliments, cookies, cash–whatever helps you feel stretched, generous and appreciated.
The holidays last a short time and literally disappear overnight. Spend time daily appreciating the good things in your life and sharing them with others. If you want to do things differently next year, take a note and make a plan, but review what you really mean and see if you can achieve some of what you want (more time with family, better eating, a more controlled budget) starting in the New Year!
Many blessings for 2012!