Fighting The Christmas Hangover

Hello, everyone! I hope all of you who celebrated Christmas yesterday had a wonderful day with family and friends.  For me, the best part is, of course, seeing the pure joy on Anna's face.

Christmas represents many things - for some, a religious celebration, for others a special reason for quality time with family and friends, and for others an occasion for spoiling those we love with awesome gifts.  For many of us, it may be all of the above. Whatever one's reason for celebrating, there's no doubt that Christmas is wonderful, fun, joyful, and.......totally exhausting.

Zzzzzz.......

I know what you're thinking - maybe I had a little too much Bailey's last night. I didn't, although I do enjoy the stuff.  I'm not talking about that kind of hangover. I'm talking about the tired, over-full, headachy, run over by a train feeling that often follows Christmas.


Not only is the day itself sometimes overwhelming and tiring (especially when it begins at the crack of dawn with eager kids), but all the preparation and shopping and general busyness leading up to it can lead to a massive adrenaline surge...followed by sheer exhaustion.

Anna & Mama Heidi are worn out!

I think this is part of what makes the day after Christmas kind of "blah" - for lack of a better term - for a lot of people.  Relatives may be gone, food may have been devoured, wrapping paper may be strewn everywhere, and presents are either being worn or played with, or are on their way back to the store for a return. All that hype for one day - as great as the day may be - can make us feel sort of let down afterward.

So don't let the malaise set in. If you're feeling the Christmas hangover, here's what you can do - as you would for any other kind of hangover...turn to the "hair of the dog," as they say.

Don't just lay around feeling exhausted. I'd only recommend that if you are able to actually relax and enjoy yourself and aren't prone to the post-holiday blues.

What was it that wore you out? Oh yeah, having fun and being around people. Shopping. Eating. Playing. All that good stuff.

If you (like me) unfortunately have to return to your office this week, schedule lunch with a friend, or go spend some of that Christmas money on a lunchtime shopping break.

If you're lucky enough to be off from work, have fun with the family or some friends. Go see a movie. Get out together. Stay busy, but in a good way.  Taking down the Christmas tree can wait another day or two or more, as can other chores. It's more important to make sure you don't slide into the blahness of the day after any holiday, especially one like Christmas.

Kids are good for this. It's not like any of us get to truly relax with little ones around. So play with them and let some of their joyful spirit rub off on you. It'll cure what ails you.