The holiday and Christmas seasons are filled with lots of fun. Families get together to celebrate Christmas together and exchange gifts. Christmas decorations also change the look of the city. Unfortunately, after the holidays are over, the loss of the typical Christmas cheer can leave you feeling depressed and sad. Brighten your mood by being grateful for the happy moments that have passed, planning your next vacation, or taking on a new hobby.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Gratitude
Step 1. Reflect on past holidays
When you feel sad because the holidays are over, console yourself by thinking about all the happy moments that passed. Surely there are many wonderful memories from your vacation. Therefore, focus on thinking about those memories whenever you feel down or upset.
- View photos taken while on vacation. If your family often takes photos or videos of family get-togethers, take a look at a collection of photos or videos available for when you're feeling down after the holidays. These photos and videos can be a reminder of all the fun you experienced during your vacation.
- Talk to the people you spend Christmas with. It's never "too early" to start reminiscing about the good times. Chat with friends and family members who celebrate Christmas with you and discuss the happy moments that have passed. They can cheer you up with funny stories about the past Christmas holidays.
Step 2. Have fun with the prizes you get
While not the only good thing about the Christmas holidays, gifts can make you happy when you feel sad that the holidays are over. Play with toys or gadgets, read various books, and take advantage of all the prizes you get. Your Christmas present can be a fun distraction.
Step 3. Use the money earned at Christmas
If you get cash or a gift card, head to a shopping center and indulge. You will be entertained by the new items purchased and may forget that the holiday is over. Go to a restaurant or visit a store to distract yourself.
Step 4. Write a thank you letter
Message the people who have given you gifts and thank them for a holiday or a great Christmas. Besides being able to do good, you can also reminisce about the moments that made you feel happy. Use this note or thank you letter to tell how much you enjoyed your vacation. Also say that you can't wait to spend time with them on vacation next year.
Method 2 of 3: Planning Your Next Christmas Vacation
Step 1. Change the Christmas decorations
Decorations are one of the best things about the Christmas holidays, but if you leave them on, you'll feel even sadder when you realize the holidays are over. Worse still, a blank wall previously occupied by decorations can make you feel even more down. Therefore, look for creative ways to redecorate your home after the holidays are over.
- Buy new plants. Plants can make your home feel fresh. Plus, you can take care of them throughout the spring (or warmer weather).
- Buy a new poster or painting. Large Christmas decorations such as faucets or wall hangings can be replaced with new posters or paintings. Look for colorful or interesting decorations to give a unique impression to the interior of the house. With new artwork taking the place of Christmas decorations, you may not even notice that the previously installed Christmas faucet has disappeared.
- Display Christmas holiday photos. Replace Christmas decorations with holiday photos. These photos will replace the Christmas decorations and remind you of the happy moments that have passed.
- Decorate the house with winter décor (or any other theme you prefer). In fact, winter/rain can be a wonderful time if you can learn to appreciate it. Decorate the house according to the season using white items, flower vases accented with tree branches, snow crystal knick-knacks, and even spruce stalks.
Step 2. Plan a New Year's Party
Christmas may be over, but soon, you will be facing a new year. Plan a new year's party to get you excited again for a different holiday. Invite family and friends back over the Christmas holidays so you can spend more time with them.
Step 3. Make plans for next year's Christmas
Maybe it's still too early to prepare for Christmas next year. However, it never hurts to think about your next Christmas holiday plans. Make invitations and prepare gifts to be given. Your plans may change over time, but at least you can use your planning as a distraction from your grief.
Method 3 of 3: Taking up a New Hobby
Step 1. Exercise
Exercise can improve mood and help burn extra calories from food consumed during the Christmas holidays. Try jogging or lifting weights, or enjoy playing sports with friends. If you live in a cold climate, January may still be too cold for outdoor activities. However, you can enroll in a gym or join an indoor sports team.
Step 2. Take up a new hobby
If you get a hobby kit (eg paint, cooking utensils, or a new video game) as a Christmas present, take advantage of the gift. Try a new hobby and learn a new skill to distract yourself from your sadness.
Step 3. Get involved in volunteering
Activities like these help liven up the Christmas spirit as you help people in need. Try helping out at soup kitchens, shelters, or charities that provide clothes (especially in winter/weather). You can provide assistance during the weather/winter while taking your mind off the end of the Christmas holidays.
Step 4. Try to maintain a positive attitude
Even if you feel depressed because the holidays are over, always try to maintain a positive attitude and outlook. Remember that this year's Christmas won't be the last and focus as much as possible on the things that make you happy.
It may not be easy for you to maintain a positive attitude and outlook, especially when you have to return to work. However, think of your job as the start of a new day. Remind yourself that you can get back to work to the best of your ability, without rushing through all the work or taking on more responsibilities
Tips
- Don't be cruel to yourself. It's natural to feel gloomy in the weather/winter. Gloomy weather, lack of fun, and a lonely life can make anyone feel down.
- Call friends. If you're feeling upset or moody, talk to your friends about how you feel. They can understand what you're going through and may be willing to help.
