While I do admit that I absolutely hate the winter season with every fiber of my being, (too damn cold), Christmas is my favorite time of year. The whole month of December everyone is (usually) pretty jolly, decorating every square inch of their homes, and buying presents like there is no tomorrow. But what happens when the calendar flips to December 26? What do we do when the most magical day of the year is over? Most people just start un-decorating right then and there. Other people rush to the mall to return some crummy gifts.
In my house, Christmas isn't over until roughly February. We are very festive people. But have you noticed that the world kind of gets quiet after December 25th? We worked so hard to make one day out of the month special, and it's over in the blink of an eye. How do we get over the end of Christmas? How can we accept it?
1. Admit that it's over
I know I am guilty of treating December 26th as a type of second Christmas, but that needs to stop. Christmas is one day and that is it. Let go of the delusion. Don't drag it out and make it harder.
2. Cry a bit
It's okay, we aren't judging. Let it out.
3. Slowly remove the Santas from the house
It's cool to keep up the snowmen and the tree and stuff, but the big man already came and gone. Let him go now so you can stop expecting him to show up. If you don't take him down soon enough do you know what you're gonna see when you look at him? Broken dreams and sadness.
4. Go back to normal music
"Have a holly, jolly Christmas" is no longer acceptable at this point. Your Christmas has come and gone, and hopefully it was a jolly one for you.
5. Binge eat the last of the cookies/candy
Hey, someone has to get rid of it, right? There is no shame in eating your feelings from time to time, I get it. Gaining a little winter weight is perfectly normal anyway. Eat those sugar cookies, because we all know you can't leave them out for the big guy in red anymore.
6. Maybe start drinking to make it to New Year's
You may have to repeat these steps as many times as necessary until you have fully accepted that Christmas is now a year away again.
