Aw, the week after Christmas. I always have such mixed emotions this week. I love the extra time with family, and things always slow down. It’s a much-needed break after the year, and a chance to gear up before the New Year rings in.

However, it’s also hard to not feel kind of blah! It’s always sad for me when Christmas is over, so I have to deal with that emotion. Plus, we’re usually snacking on sweets and goodies that Santa brought, so physically, we’re not always feeling our best. It’s kind of a whirlwind of a week- but in the slowest way possible. It’s not bad- but it can certainly feel foggy!

I came across some memes that I thought were hilarious and accurate portrayals of how we all feel after Christmas, and I thought I’d share:

Some things I've learned over the years to make this week better-

Exercise. I exercise pretty regularly, but I don’t exercise on Christmas. Doesn’t even cross my mind. But as soon as the 26th comes, I try to do something- even if it’s just a light workout. Getting your body moving is so good for your mental health- and obviously your physical health as well!

Eat a vegetable. It’s hard to not feel super gross if you’re just eating junk or snacking all day. Make a conscious effort to put some good fuel in your body as well. A simple salad for lunch or a fruit/spinach smoothie for breakfast can do wonders for your energy and mental health!

Devote some time for reflection. We dedicate one night between Christmas and New Year’s Eve as our “Year in Review” We go through photos and videos that we took through the year, and it’s fun to see how much everyone has grown over the year- but it’s also a great time to reflect on how our hearts and spirits have grown as well. It’s the perfect activity for this week!

Reflect on goals. My husband and I celebrate our wedding anniversary on December 28. (This year will be 10 years!!). Because it’s right before the New Year, we’ve just naturally gotten in the habit of talking about goals on our anniversary. We reflect on how we’re doing as a couple, and as a family. We talk about things that are going really well, and maybe some things we want to do differently. It’s a great way to bond, and to give yourself some direction during an otherwise directionless week!

Embrace it. Don’t feel guilty if you indulge a little! This time of year only comes around once a year. So don’t beat yourself up if you eat a few more sweets than you should, or if you’re living a more lax schedule. Don’t stress about completing big projects during this time, or starting your new diet right away. Pick yourself up in the New Year, and in the meantime, spend time with your family and cherish the slower time to be together. It’s only a week!

Does your family have any post-Christmas traditions or rituals? What does that week look like for you? I’d love to hear from our readers! Share with us in the comments below!