The After Holiday Blues

There's something anticlimactic about stockings with empty wrappers sticking out, a Christmas tree with empty boxes under it and a new years resolution that entails exercise and eating right. Like so many people, I am feeling that "after holiday blues" this year. It has been 3 days since I have wanted to get out of bed. Well, I never WANT to get out of bed, especially when there is someone warm to snuggle with that wears black socks to bed, but these past few days have been nearly impossible to drag myself up. The feeling of sadness weighs me down and I feel no real sense of purpose.

My sole purpose for the past few weeks had been to shop (always, always, always makes me happy) for gifts that I felt would make other people happy. I get so excited and can't wait to give that perfect gift, when I feel I have found it. I decorate the tree with my son, put up all the holiday decorations and beg everyone I know to bake me cookies. I get together with my family and loved ones and reminisce. I laugh and feel happy throughout December and always enjoy New Years Eve, no matter how I spend it. Sometimes, I help a friend pick up one acorn or one leaf (you know who you are) or I shovel an old ladies sidewalk. It is the most festive time of the year. It is my most selfless time.

I think the feelings of , what just happened, where did all the fun go, I can't get that special shopping high anymore, nobody is cooking me extravagant meals, was delayed because I went to the beach for New Years and prolonged the festive spirit until January 3rd. I thought maybe I had missed the after holiday blues this year. HA, yea, no such luck. Reality has a way of creeping back in. The party time is over. There are boxes of trash, wrapping paper rolls strewn about, a dying tree in the corner and gifts to be taken back ( hey, i miss the mark on that perfect gift sometimes). And then there are the bills. I always spend too much at Christmas. ALWAYS.

To try and break free from this "after holiday blues" I remind myself of how happy I was when I spent that small fortune, how good it felt to just pig out and how many smiling faces I got to look at as they opened their gifts. I look at that tree in the corner and wonder if maybe I shouldn't just go Green and leave it sitting there, like it is a house plant, not bothering to remove it. I tell myself how next year I will make every ones gifts (LOL, that thought alone just cheered me up. The look on your face as you realize I tried to make you something, cuz I am an artistic and domesticated goddess). As of right now, these thoughts are working. I am starting to feel better today. My son is home after a week long trip to Florida. I know that the trash will be removed and my house will be back in order. I know that Joe will cook for me and wear nothing but his Christmas apron, if I get sad and need a good meal.

This has been a wonderful holiday season. I am always sad to see it end, but I will now start to look forward to Valentines Day and warm cozy nights spent quietly with people I love. I am feeling grateful for my family and loved ones, and am happy that this holiday season was spent with them, people that I know will be in my life forever, in one way or another.

I know that I am not the only one going through this "after holiday blues" and I know that this will pass, but I thought I would let you all know, that if you are feeling that sadness or depression, I feel it too, and with each day, it has gotten better. Writing this alone has made me feel much happier!

xoxoxox

AllieMac 'Gina