How I Beat the Post-Christmas Blues

I hate that Christmas is over. I’m like a little kid. It’s always been this way for me — I just love the holiday glow. So here are some of my strategies to beat the post‑Christmas blues (if you’re a big kid like me).

1. Put Santa Away

I don’t have the time, with five homeschooled kids, to instantly put all the Christmas décor away — and honestly, I don’t really want to. But it’s January 6, and if I keep the holiday décor out, it’s just a reminder that it’s over. So that means all the Santas, Christmas plates, colored lights, etc., are getting boxed up. I’ll leave out greens, stars, and white lights, but otherwise we’re starting with a clean slate.

2. Embrace a Winter Vibe

I’m tricking myself here. I’m not losing Christmas… I’m gaining a new winter vibe! Think skiing, Scandinavia, cozy hygge energy — it’s a Jedi mind trick on myself. Now I’m studying après‑ski boards on Pinterest. I’m crafting more paper snowflakes with my kids, and we’re putting up more white lights. Time to get cozy, make fondue, and enjoy an aesthetic that can only exist during après‑Christmas winter.

*I even bought a mug for January use only, knowing it would cheer me up. This time of year, I love Tiffany blue and winter white with purple and orange accents — it gives that luxury ski‑life feel.*

3. Use Your New Gifts

I used to hoard my new treasures for a “special time.” But what are we waiting for? Light the candles, use the new face masks, drink the fancy tea… whatever loot you got, put it to good use. Deep winter is when you need a little luxury.

I received a beautiful collection of Jane Austen’s works, and I’m going to sit with a cuppa (as the Brits say) and read some.

4. Work Out

Ugh, I know. But if I want to feel good, I can’t avoid it. That’s just science. LOL.

5. Organize and Declutter

This is a great time to pivot and get things back in order. While I’m putting away Christmas items, I’m decluttering and cleaning, which always feels good. We’re done staying up late for festivities — it’s time to wake up early and be organized for school, house, work, and family life. I’m perfecting my routines. Take all that New Year energy and use it to put your best foot forward.

6. Plan and Dream

A few years ago, our family began a New Year’s Day tradition of making vision boards. Each of us gets a piece of cardstock and creates a collage of the experiences and accomplishments we hope to welcome in the year ahead. We also pull out the previous year’s boards, and it’s incredible to see how many of those dreams have taken shape.

I know some people balk at New Year’s resolutions, but this isn’t about rigid goals — it’s about trajectory. Our boards give us a visual reminder of our big‑picture hopes, something we can return to throughout the year to stay aligned with what matters most.

So, happy winter hygge! Time to get cozy and get dreaming while you’re tucked into your homey cocoon. I’m cheering you on for a hope-filled winter and a new year that feels like a fresh breath of air.