Post-Holiday Blues: Take It Slow One Day at a Time
One of the biggest traps during the post-holiday season is unmet expectations. We envision joy, magical memories, thoughtful gifts, peaceful moments — and when reality doesn’t measure up, it’s easy to feel let down. But here’s the truth: disappointment isn’t always a bad thing. It’s an invitation to shift your perspective.
Why the Blues Happen
Disappointment can weigh you down—especially when you’ve set your heart on specific moments, gifts, or outcomes. But ask yourself: Is it worth clinging to the things that didn’t go your way?
Lingering on sadness robs you of joy. It creates stress, self-doubt, and even leads to depression. When you focus only on what you didn’t receive or experience, you miss the small miracles and beautiful moments that did happen.
So What Can You Do About It?
1. Reflect on What Went Right
Even if you’re struggling, there are always a few highlights worth remembering — laughter, a hug, a delicious meal, a kind word. Write them down. Reread them when the blues hit hard.
2. Let Go of the Material Focus
Maybe you wanted something and didn’t get it — a gadget, clothes, a vacation. It’s okay to feel disappointed, but try to remember: the holidays aren’t about stuff. They’re about connection, kindness, and presence.
3. Be Grateful, Even If It Feels Hard
Gratitude is a muscle. At first, it may feel forced, especially when you’re down. But practice it anyway. The more you shift your focus from “what I lacked” to “what I received,” the more natural it becomes — and the lighter you’ll feel.
Pro tip: Smile even if you don’t feel like it. You’re not faking joy — you’re training your brain to seek it.
4. Give, Even If You Didn’t Get
One of the most powerful ways to shake off sadness is to give. You don’t need an iPhone or hundreds of dollars. Give your time. Give a smile. Share warmth. Acts of kindness toward others often heal your own wounds.
5. Honor Your Feelings, But Don’t Dwell
It’s okay to feel sad. It’s okay to cry. But don’t pitch a tent in the valley. Feel it, name it, and release it. Try journaling, listening to uplifting music, going for a walk, or watching something that makes you laugh.
6. Just Be You
You’re not obligated to be cheerful. But don’t forget: there is a smile hidden somewhere inside you. Do what brings you joy — whether it’s watching your favorite movie, baking, drawing, or just sleeping in. Find your spark again.
7. Make Something Memorable
Stuff fades. But memories last. Make a plan to do something creative or meaningful. Call a friend. Plan a game night. Write a thank-you letter. Or do something kind for a stranger — like the video of the men who decorated a tree and left warm clothes and food for a homeless man. That joy? That’s the spirit of the season.
Final Thought: Build, Don’t Compare
The holidays may be over, but your life isn’t. Use this time to build strong, lasting relationships. Material things are temporary. Relationships, gratitude, kindness — those are the real gifts.
“When you count your blessings, it’s not about pretending you’re lucky. It’s about finally seeing the things you used to overlook.”
Hi Patrice,
Expectations gets me every time. This Christmas was the best Christmas I ever had.
Because we had all our children over for cookies and fun and games.
There’s no gift that can beat that.
Great post!
Vernon, Welcome, Glad you had a great Christmas. Time spend with family is great passed time. Expectations always leave me feeling disappointed so I had to stop.
I love your positive message. My parents always taught me that it’s the thought that counts when I receive a gift 🙂
I can totally relate to this post. Even in the midst of revelry, food, and happy, smiling people, we can’t help but feel a little anxiety. I guess I just miss my childhood days when my family was still complete. However, I am still thankful for all the blessings I have received and I try my best to share them with others in need.
Annemarie LeBlanc, I agree with you miss those childhood days but can’t let it get me down. Think positive my motto.
These are great tips. Christmas is about giving and sharing. My siblings and I have been taught by our parents to appreciate even the little things and that’s what I have been teaching my kids.
ourfamilyworld, Talk about passing down from generation to generation Giving & sharing your Parents taught you well!
We must give without expecting anything from the person we give, rather our gratitude for having something to give shall attract that reward we least expect!
People get Holiday blues because we have so much fun we don’t want it to end. The best way to not get them blues is to live your life like it’s a holiday every day 🙂
Julie Syl Kalungi Welcome, Respect your opinion “live your life like it’s a holiday every day” But for Teens who are suffering with depression may not be the right choice. You are correct gratitude and giving…It’s the little things that counts for me.
Yes, I do it every year but this year is somewhat better I have been just relaxing and working on the blog so it helps awesome tips thanks
I love the idea to give even if you didn’t get.
sometimes it is so hard to enjoy the holidays but we owe it to ourselves to do just that , let go of all the pain physical or emotional and wrap self in love of the season and enjoy
It’s better to not expect anything so you won’t get disappointed. And it’s always better to give, so just keep on giving! Thanks for this lovely reminder.
Such an inspiring message. I love giving, but dint always have the means. I just need to focus on different ways to give, such as spending time with someone.
So many people are focused on the gifts and that is so not what the holiday is about. Love all your tips.
I don’t think I get the holiday blues. I do however get winter blues. When I do, I try to think positive and I do something nice for myself like taking the time to watch a movie or read a book.
Every year I go way overboard at Christmas. This year, I did not. And it felt great! There were a couple of people dissapointed but that’s okay, in the long run things are way more important than expensive gifts. And I hope those couple who expected big things even though I forewarned things were dif. this year due to things I’m not controlling, will come to realize that too. 🙂
Rosey, I understand this year I did not go overboard either.
Managing expectations helps keep me sane during the holidays!
I used to get the post holiday blues pretty bad; there is so much build up and then it’s over. I’m getting way better at controlling those emotions:-)
These are some really good points. I caught a cold this past weekend but I won’t let it get me down!
The holidays are stressful without the added expectations. I remember being disappointed twice around Christmas because I had such unrealistic expectations. LOL The best way to go about it is to simply be grateful and get your own gifts
Marielle Altenor, I like this better get my own gift, lol be thankful it’s the thought thats count.
Holiday Blues are definitely a real thing that people go through. This is a great post with some really great suggestions.
Shannon Gurney, Blues can appear after New Year. Leaving one in deep depression. Knowing that it exists is the first step to helping others.
I love reading your posts! I completely agree that so many have high expectations and I feel Christmas and the Holiday season should be about fond family memories. Happy New Year!
This is very wonderful and helpful post, this could help for those having holiday blues.
I’ve never heard the Holiday Blues, but it was interesting because I had one friend who has been in this situation, I’m sure this could help her. Thank you.
Nicole Escat , Post Holiday Blues or holiday blues, post vacation blues is when someone get so sad and depressed after all excitement from or spending from their vacation from normal routine.
This Christmas has been rough because we gave up our home to take care of a relative and it’s not going well. Our new home is taking forever because it’s in short sell. I just want to be free!
Oh no Crystal, Disappointment is for a reason sometime it’s out of our control the universe way of slowing us down.
I think expectations are the big one in our family. I think we did a better job this year yet we were still disappointed. Communication and boundaries is key. That first photo was absolutely stunning and so creative!
Jonathan Key, Expectations & disappointments can cause us to going into a depression if we are not careful. It’s the taught that count. There are people who seem to forget what the holiday symbolizes…. that real meaning is not about outdoing each other with gifts. This leave them be more disillusion.
This is a timely and important blog post I think.
Setting goals I think is also important – it gets you looking to the future and dwelling on the negative events of the past, as you mention in your article.
Great post – I will have the post holiday blues next week – especially as my youngest starts school 🙁 Kaz
Such a great message!!!! I’m all about staying positive and focusing on the good!
I don’t really care what I receive. I can buy what I want anyway, lol. I love to spend my time giving to people. I don’t really get down during the holidays, but I know many people who do.
Great advice. I can relate to feeling disappointed when someone obviously isn’t thrilled about their gift, despite my efforts. As I get older I try to just relax about everything and enjoy the season. I know I have a tendency to get the holiday blues, so I try to get stressful tasks and shopping done in November so I don’t fall into the yearly trap of stress and blues that follow.
It’s unfortunate that “the greatest season of the year” is so stressful and disappointing to many. Excellent advice on managing the stress.
Thanks so much for sharing with The Blogger’s Pit Stop!
– Marie, Blogger’s Pit crew
Just Plain Marie, Welcome, I am learning to leave the stress behind everyday the Blues is not invited ..Thanks for your support.