Christmas is over. The wrapping paper has been bagged, the boxes dragged out to the curb, the leftovers packaged and frozen, the cookies consumed, and family from out of town is getting ready to depart. You stand in the middle of your living room and sigh. Even though you are thankful for the holidays, the loved ones, the gifts both given and received, it always seems to overwhelm all the little reasons you plan the dinners, the events, the breakfasts in the first place. Menu planning detracts from quality time. Decorating takes away from the joy of seeing a twinkling tree. Making eighteen of the same presents for your child’s class completely obliterates the joy your child experiences when they hand them out to all their friends. You look at the tree, the lights, the greenery and Santas and you vow – never again.

The holidays are stressful. No matter how much planning you do, the actual week of Christmas is mayhem. Fulfilled but exhausted you can’t even imagine taking down the tree, much less hauling it up to the attic, or unloading the dishwasher, or taking the load of laundry out of the dryer that has been in it for at least five days. In the midst of it all, you have forgotten about taking care of yourself. Here are some tips that will help you regain your equilibrium and your sanity in the wake of the holiday season:

1. Ask for help. All the family, friends and loved ones that have been orbiting around your house for the past week have two very valuable things: hands. Have someone do the dishes for you, or help you take down the tree. Show how very grateful you are and they will be glad they helped.
2. Take a moment for you. Whatever quiet time you allow yourself all year round is even more important now. Curl up with a book, rent a movie, take a bath and lock the door, drink a glass of wine. Set aside the time and tell the rest of your household they will see you in two hours. Tell them to enjoy their new toys.
3. Take everything out of its box and throw away the packing. Storing boxes for a vacuum you might sell someday, or dishes you will use everyday just clutters up your life and your garage.
4. Do a little something you might not otherwise do. Chances are “Santa” left a little money in a stocking for you. Go get a pedicure, or buy yourself an inexpensive ring. Make sure it is something you always think “yes, I would love that… but….” And then just do it.
5. Order take-out. The thought of cooking after everything you have eaten, prepared and packaged in the past month probably makes you want to break out in hives. Call the Chinese food restaurant just down the road and in 15 minutes you have a stress free meal you didn’t have to prepare at all. And use paper plates.
6. If you can afford it, a massage or a spa day really does make a world of difference.

The most effective thing in recovering from the holidays is truly simply, and it’s free. Sit down and remember the faces of everyone that opened a present from you, ate a cookie, or showed up at your house to wish you a happy holiday. Think of all the cards you got or sent, the lights you saw, and the traditions you diligently preserve year after year. Sit down and look through the photos you took. The joy and happiness reflected back in the faces of those you care about should be more than enough for you to forget the stress, and think “I can’t wait till next Christmas.”

Posted by:  Jennifer McClarney

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