Well, it’s over. Christmas is over. No more fancy decorations, beautiful Christmas tree lights, and ornaments. No more yummy cookies that don’t have one calorie in them – not a one.
If you want to do the holidays right, watch kids. Kids start imaging well into the year what they may want. They believe in jolly old Saint Nick, and he is bringing just what their goal is set out to be for Christmas.
As teenagers, some of us may start to believe in other things. Santa is replaced with the image of the boy or girl down the street… teenage love. As adults, we rely on Santa less with the goal being a yes from the bank coming through for a new house or car.
Do things that make you happy. What makes me the happiest? My husband, David, my daughter, Tara, my son-in-law, Ryan, my son Ryan, my daughter-in-law, Jamie, and my four grandsons. It was a lonely Christmas this year as all my family made other plans. David gave me the best gift I could ask for. I get to keep my tree, and all my decorations up until February 1st! Now that’s love!
Challenge yourself in the new year to use both sides of your brain. Concentrate on what you want instead of what you fear. Catch up with friends and family. Heaven knows after a big Christmas, there will be lots to laugh about. Or better yet – call them, FaceTime, or visit!
The holidays are a lot of work. Something very important you need to do after Christmas – be kind to yourself. It’s too easy to get stressed out about little stuff like when grandpa set the turkey on fire. Chill out, we all survived, and it was a little turkey.
To get yourself out of that “January funk period,” start planning something to do. Plan a vacation even if you just drive over the bridge. David and I are planning a vacation in August with another couple to Las Vegas to celebrate our wedding anniversaries.
There is a book you’ve been trying to read forever – so, read it! Spend time with friends, play tourist in your area. If it makes you happy and alleviates stress, well, then do it!
I wish you happiness and good health always.
