Feeling the Post-Holiday Letdown
We’re in the swing of the holiday season and there are so many exciting things to enjoy. As moms we spend a lot of time planning and executing the perfect holiday experience for everyone, but no one really talks about what it feels like after it’s all done. The build up leading to a holiday or family event creates a rush and the letdown after it’s over can leave you feeling really sad or overwhelmed. There are some great ways to acknowledge these feelings while also working through them.
It’s Only One Day
Picture it: it’s the day after your big holiday and you’re reflecting on how everything went perfectly. The food was fabulous, everyone was happy, and all your planning made for the perfect day. But now you stand in silence; your family and friends are gone. You scan around; the house is an absolute disaster. And suddenly the feelings start to sink in: sadness, overwhelm, anxiety. It’s perfectly okay to feel these feelings. Let them in and sit with them for a moment or two. Think about why you’re feeling this way. Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself this is only one day. You can handle feeling this way for just one day and tomorrow will feel better.
Skip the Cleanup
If you’re anything like me, part of getting over a holiday low is to pack everything up and get a fresh start. But by the time I’m done cleaning up and putting things back in their places, I’m even more exhausted and cranky than I was before. The cleanup can wait. The mess and the holiday decor will still be there tomorrow when you have more energy to tackle putting them to rest. And if you need a reminder of why this is okay, see the above portion: it’s only one day. Leaving the decorations up one more day isn’t going to hurt anyone, except maybe your tired feet.
Enjoy the Moment
Instead of thinking of this letdown day as a day of sadness and grieving over the end of something fun, think of it as a celebration of all that you accomplished. You hosted how many people?! You baked how many pies?! You go girl! That’s an incredible feat and you did it all so well! Now take the day to relax and enjoy just being in your home without all the hustle and bustle. Indulge in some self care. Make it a family movie day. Get on the floor and play with your kids. Anything goes!
The letdown after the holidays can be a struggle but with a little bit of preparation and some gentle shift in your mindset, you’ll be feeling better in no time.
