Surviving the Post-Holiday Blues: Tips for Getting Through the Long Wait Until Next Christmas

As the holiday season comes to a close and we bid farewell to the twinkling lights, festive gatherings, and gift exchanges, it can be tough to face the reality that we have to wait another entire year until the next Christmas. The long wait until the next holiday season can feel interminable, especially if you're someone who loves the joy and cheer of the holiday season.

But don't despair! There are plenty of ways to get through the long wait until next Christmas and keep the holiday spirit alive all year round. Here are some tips to help you make it through:

1. Keep the decorations up a little longer. If you love the cozy, festive feeling that comes with holiday decorations, consider keeping them up a little longer. It's not uncommon for people to keep their Christmas trees up through the first week of January, and there's no harm in extending the holiday cheer a little longer. Just be sure to take care of your tree and other decorations so they stay fresh and in good condition.

2. Plan a holiday-themed outing or activity. Just because the holiday season is over doesn't mean you have to put your holiday spirit on hold. Plan a holiday-themed outing or activity to keep the cheer going. Some cities continue their light displays through January! Visiting a Christmas store in July is always in fashion and who says you can’t eat Christmas cookies in August?

3. Create a holiday-themed bucket list. If you're feeling particularly nostalgic for the holiday season, consider creating a holiday-themed bucket list of all the things you'd like to do or experience during the next holiday season. This will be a great list by the time Christmas rolls around. This could include visiting a new holiday market, trying a new holiday recipe, or even going on a holiday-themed vacation. Having a list of things to look forward to can help make the long wait until the next holiday season feel more manageable.

4. Practice acts of kindness and generosity. One of the best things about the holiday season is the focus on giving and showing kindness to others. You don't have to wait until the next holiday season to spread joy and generosity. Practice acts of kindness and generosity all year round. Whether it's volunteering your time, making a donation to a worthy cause, or simply doing something thoughtful for a friend or loved one, there are countless ways to spread joy and positivity throughout the year.

5. Keep the holiday traditions alive. If you have special holiday traditions that you look forward to every year, don't let them die just because the holiday season is over. Keep your traditions alive all year round, whether it's baking holiday cookies, watching a favorite holiday movie, or even decorating for the holidays. These traditions can be a comforting and nostalgic way to keep the holiday spirit alive until the next holiday season.

6. Plan a holiday-themed get-together. If you're missing the festive gatherings of the holiday season, consider planning a holiday-themed get-together with friends or family in 2023. This could be a dinner party, a movie night, or even a holiday-themed game night. Having something to look forward to can help ease the long wait until the next holiday season.

7. Get involved in the community. Another way to keep the holiday spirit alive is by getting involved in your community and helping others. This could be through volunteering your time, donating to a local charity, or simply helping out a neighbor in need. By giving back to your community, you can help spread joy and positivity all year round.

While the long wait until the next holiday season can be tough, there are plenty of ways to keep the holiday spirit alive until then. Whether it's by keeping the decorations up a little longer, planning a holiday-themed outing, creating a holiday bucket list, practicing acts of kindness and generosity Christmas truly can last all year long.