The presents are unwrapped, the tree is put away. Elf on the Shelf is back in the attic and there are no more Christmas parties to look forward to. If you’re like me, I seem to struggle with the Holiday Blues every year.
There is not another big holiday to anticipate until February. If you are a working mom, typically vacation is not until MAY and this is FIVE months away! So, what do we do to avoid the Holiday Blues? The holidays can add a lot of extra stress. It is nice to take a break from holiday demands and look forward to joys around the corner.
The new year can bring fun family time. Our family enjoys moments like short excursions within the state. Early in 2013, we explored the indoor water park, the Water Zoo located in Clinton, OK. It was a lot closer than our previous trip to Great Wolf Lodge (and cheaper). Our girls loved it! It was an easy weekend trip that allowed our family to enjoy a small vacation close to home. This could have been a day trip, but we decided to stay overnight and enjoy the local community.
Another thing we do as a family to overcome Holiday Blues, is continue the giving spirit. There is something to be said about stepping out of your own world and serving others. One can volunteer with a local non-profit organization, help or mentor at a local school, or simply watch someone else’s kids for an afternoon so another mom can enjoy some much needed “me-time”.
It is important to teach our children that just because the holidays are over, the spirit of the season can continue in many other ways. The “holiday blues” may come, but when combated with quality family time and a servant heart they can quickly diminish. May your holidays be filled with joy and happiness!
What are some things that help you overcome the holiday blues?
Throwing out all the leftover sugary junk food covering my kitchen counter has helped me get over the blues! It’s fun at first but those holiday treats sure do add up!