photo credit: matt

It’s been a few days since the holiday, and now it’s time to deal with the holiday blues.

All the shiny glitz of new toys and gifts has worn off.  Most of the leftovers are gone.  The kids are coming off their sugar highs.

There is such a big build up to the holiday season that once it’s over you can’t help but feel a little sad and exhausted.

Some of us use this time to do a little retail therapy – shopping with gift cards or finding bargains at the after-Christmas sales.

But there are other ways you can get over the post-holiday blues:

Show some gratitude.  With the immediacy of e-mail and Facebook, it’s easy to forget the good ol’ fashioned thank you note.  Write your loved ones a note thanking them for their gifts… or even just thanking them for spending time with you.  You’ll be able to make that warm fuzzy feeling of the holidays linger just a little longer when you know you are brightening someone’s day.

Capture the memories.  Write a holiday wrap-up so you’ll have a guide to preparing for next holiday season.  Create a memory album with photos from the season.

Get some fresh air.  Get outside and play.  Build a snowman, go for a hike, grab a pair of skates or go sledding.  A little exercise does wonders for a case of the post-holiday blues.

Put your nose in a book.  Books can help you escape into a world limited only by your imagination.  Visit the library, or find free books online.

Start planning.  Part of the appeal of the holiday season is simply the anticipation.  You can re-create that anticipation with a little planning. Plan something to look forward to – a visit with family or coffee with a friend you haven’t seen in awhile.

Go to work on your finances.  Now is a great time to assess your financial situation and determine how you can get over the holiday shopping hangover.

Remember the reason for the season.  Volunteer in your community or participate in church or community events.  There’s no reason to let the spirit of goodwill disappear after December 25.   You can find holiday cheer anytime of year.

Now that the holidays are over, what are some ways you bounce back into your old routines?