How to maintain your joy between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day

All the gifts have been opened, everyone has been fed and tomorrow you go back to work. The excitement you felt as the holiday neared has been replaced by emptiness. Six weeks of planning, preparation,decorating, shopping, cooking, and cleaning. Time spent wrapping gifts and practicing for church and school pageants is now over. There is a lull until New Year’s Eve but there does not have to be. You can own the week between December 27th and the second of January. I have found that Christmas week is the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor and I take full advantage. M motto on the day after Christmas is: “Now the real fun begins.”

On December 26, bargain hunters can save money on all the end of the year sales. Many retail items are marked down as much as 75%. Wrapping paper, candy, cookies and other holiday items are usually half price for a few days. I usually stock up on enough to last me until at least Valentine's Day. The week after Christmas is a good time to enjoy the holiday movies and television programs you may have missed. This is also the opportunity to slow down, and take stock of your life as you prepare for a new year.

For decades I have found that during the days after December 25, the lights on the tree and in my windows seem much brighter. This could be a result of those who unplug all their lights right after the holiday and there is a decrease usage in electricity. I choose to believe that the love and joy in the room associated with the holiday charges everything around it. I obtain great peace sitting and reading near the tree and or listening to my favorite carols through the end of the year. You can also utilize the gifts you received by wearing or using them. Take advantage of not having to cook, by enjoying leftovers, or foods you may have been given.

School is out so enjoy your children or grandchildren if you can. Visit loved ones and see what’s under their tree and continue to spread peace and goodwill. Invite someone over and keep your attitude of gratitude going strong. Look often at your Christmas tree and all that is underneath and give thanks. There are so many who did not live to enjoy another season, but you did. Ignore any Grinches or Scrooge’s you encounter and don’t let them bring you down.

The goal is to consider Christmas week as part of the holiday instead of there being a lull until New Year. Leave your tree up a few days longer or more and continue the holiday spirit. Tape holiday specials and watch them over again. Call someone who is shut in or visit the hospital or nursing home. Be creative and determine that you will enjoy each day and before you know it, the New Year will be here.

There is so much going on in the world today that can be depressing so do all you can to encourage yourself. Thing about the New Year that lies ahead and mentally access how you desire to ring it in. Make actual plans and focus on being able to carry them out. Make it your personal goal to spread joy to the world wherever you might be during the holiday week. If there are young children in your family and they have new Christmas toys or games, join in their fun. Watch them play or take part, whichever gives you the most pleasure. The week between Christmas and New Year’s Day is truly what you decide to make it. Consider making each day special and unique for you yourself and have fun in the process. Holiday joy can carry you a long way. If nothing else, please consider that the days are getting longer and Spring will soon be here. That alone is something to be thankful for, especially if you deal with seasonal depression.