To ask for help with post-Christmas blues...

[festivefoodlover2023]

I love Christmas... I know I am in a fortunate position and it can be a sad time for lots of people, but it is a really special time for me. I love the carols, the feeling of warmth, the cosiness, the religious aspect, the closeness to family, the anticipation and build up, the way things slow down and 'pause' on the day - I suppose my life just has more meaning in December. However, I get really really down and depressed after on Boxing Day and January (I hate New Year with a passion). Does anyone have any advice on how to get over these post-Christmas blues and prolong the nice feelings around Christmas?

I know what you mean. It's over so abruptly. I'm going to make mini special meals in the spirit of Christmas dinner (I even asked the kids today if they wanted to eat like this all the time and they said yes), keep playing christmas music, think about or write down all the things I'm excited about, not related to new years but in general so I remember it's not sad to move forward, and pick out some gifts and treats for my kids and myself here and there. We were very minimal with gifts so I could spread it out a little. I let them pick one gift from their stocking every day this month (very small things) but they got pretty obsessed with that and I'll keep it going. Why the hell not. It's been very hard the past few years and there's no harm in enjoying what makes us happy. Where I come from they have stores and a holiday that are literally called "Christmas in July" because so many people enjoy the season so much. It's a thing to enjoy it anytime one feels like it. My birthday is on the 26th and no one ever remembers so I feel extra entitled to celebrate whatever whenever!

I get you op it's such a comedown.
We keep up Xmas Dec's for a while and it's gorgeous if it shows in January.
In spite of keeping up Dec's it's also good to think of plans for next year and holidays

@festivefoodlover2023 - To combat the comedown, may I invite you to try the Christmas Puzzle on the main thread.
I hope you enjoy it - I enjoyed making it!
With best wishes - Dan

Thank you @flowerchild2000 , @DanFmDorking and @ChristmasEvemaddness - I felt a bit teary at your kind responses. Part of me feels a bit ridiculous for feeling like this but I don't just feel 'a bit blue', I get really despondent and depressed about it. Your suggestions are all really helpful. @DanFmDorking - do you have a link to the Christmas puzzle please?

Umm Christmas isn't over on 25 December, traditionally that is when it begins.

It lasts until 12th night. Keep your decorations up until 5 Jan. If you are off work this week see family and friends, do some trips, eat Christmas food and watch Christmas films.

The week after Christmas is best - all the fun with none of the build up and mad stress.

Have you got any plans for the following week OP or could you start making some?

For us we fill the week after with visiting family, pantomimes , going ice skating, visiting the garden centers or light shows (usually quieter!), cinema and chilled days at home. Can you start prepping for next year - make loose plans for any holidays or Easter (thinking about what you might like to cook, any Sunday services to attend, Dec's etc)

@Theantsgomarchingtwo I would love to go to a panto but for the four of us, it would be so expensive. There is a light show near us so we could definitely go to that. Making plans for other events throughout the year sounds like a great one - as well as planning ahead for next year.

@Ginmonkeyagain I do know about the 12 days of Christmas, I suppose it is just most people focus on the 25th and we have never really celebrated the 12 days. I think it is time to change that! Are there any particular films you recommend?

Hi,

I love Christmas too. But I love the shift into New Year and make a ritual of it. Where Christmas is all spicy candles and red and green decor and rich foods, for new year I clear all that away and fill the house with white flowers - hyacinths and amaryllis and cyclamen, and clean smelling candles - pine and eucalyptus are still wintery but more energised.

I do a lot of journalling, reflecting on the year that's gone - making lists of all the highlights to remember and getting excited planning the year ahead with a bucket list of things to do and goals to achieve. I book several things to look forward to - concerts or theatre shows, visits to family and friends later in the year. And I get an energy burst from a health kick - lots of fresh soups and salads, long frosty walks.

It's also lovely to savour some of the Christmas treats. I'm planning to spend an hour today in a rose scented bath with one of my new books by a favourite author.

Would this sort of thing brighten your mood - a New Year set of rituals to move you out of that midwinter cosiness and into a more energised time?

@festivefoodlover2023 Not really - I just tend to catch up on Xmas telly as we don't watch any on Christmas Day.

@OwlWeiwei
That's brilliant.
I used to get post Christmas blues but not for years.
Have a really good Christmas- all the food , parties (x 4) great tree, see relatives- then come the new year, good clear/ clean up and m as make plans for a fresh new year.
I think i may save @OwlWeiwei 's post to remind myself it's the way to go.

@festivefoodlover2023 - Sorry to keep you waitin'
Here you are - good luck - let me know how you get on - Dan

But Christmas is happening now! It goes on until 6 Jan. Carry on celebrating. No need to feel it's over. Obviously lots of people have to work but if you don't then keep doing what you love til twelfth night. That's what our ancestors did.