Post Holiday Blues
We’ve all heard of the holiday blues. Many people experience depression and anxiety throughout the holiday season for a myriad of reasons, be it loss, loneliness, or financial hardships. Elvis even sang about the Christmas blues in his ever-popular version of “Blue Christmas.” But, for the most part, the holidays are generally a happy time, spent with family and friends, decking the halls, and toasting to good tidings and joy.
And then, it’s over.
Bare Christmas trees are on the curb. The lights are no longer shining. Out-of-town guests have gone home. Santa Claus has come and gone. The Christmas carolers are no longer singing. The gifts have all been opened. And, there’s not a Christmas cookie to be had. And now, we are bracing for a cold winter.
It sounds bleak. And for many, it is just that.
While there has not been a great deal of research on the subject, it is very common to experience a letdown after the holiday season - even as soon as Christmas night. Most people have looked forward to the big day for months, and suddenly, all the preparation is over, and so is the celebrating. This feeling of letdown is called Post Holiday Blues.
“The power of anticipation of the holiday season provides the brain with dopamine and a serotonin surge, and together increases the feelings of happiness and motivation,” said Chad Hannaford, LPC-MHSP, Therapeutic Services Director, HeartLife. “Once the excitement of the season is over, it is common for one's mood to change, resulting in a feeling of loss and sadness.”
The good news, however, is that the Post Holiday Blues and feelings of sadness are short-term, Hannaford explains. There are things you can do to shift your focus. Plan a dinner with friends and family. Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean you can’t plan an outing to enjoy good food and great company. Bundle up and take a brisk walk outside. Breathing in the fresh air helps lessen the feelings of depression, stress and anger.
Most importantly, take comfort in the fact that Christmas Day is just the beginning of the story. The birth of Jesus is to be celebrated all year long, not just for a season. As we realize all of the gifts He has bestowed upon us, we will feel happiness and encouragement, rather than that of sadness.
“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” John 1:4.