by Anitra Lahiri

Created on: January 01, 2009

Few images are as heartwarming as those conjured during the holiday season: a child's eyes, bright and joyful, as she tells Santa all of her wishes; the way a little one tears open the gifts he has been waiting to unwrap for so long now; the wonder in a baby's eyes the first time she witnesses the flashing lights on a Christmas tree. Whatever holiday we celebrate during this, the most cherished of seasons in America, wonder and awe permeate the air. Even if we are nowhere near children, the season tells us in a million ways that we are supposed to be happy right now. Then, after all the anticipation, planning, and stress, it is over. The holiday season just vanishes into thin air, only to be born again in another year.

It is no wonder so many people feel down after the holidays. We have been told over and over again that we are supposed to feel joyful, but maybe we don't. We have been stressed out about what to buy for whom. And, this year especially, we have been worried about how we are going to pay for all those holiday expenses. Add to all of this the stress of seeing family members and friends who may be draining, or the sadness that envelopes us as we experience our first Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanzaa without a loved one who passed away this year.

So, how do we recover from the holidays? Here are a few tips that may alleviate some of this year's post-holiday blues:

1. Find a quiet moment when you can sit down, contemplate, and write down anything and everything for which you feel grateful. Maybe you have a healthy child, a loving dog, a roof over your head, or one decent friend. Maybe you are thankful for the city lights or a giant oak tree. If you're in a serious rut and cannot think of anything, then simply be thankful that you are here. Sometimes, that is enough to open you up to seeing other blessings in your life.

2. Volunteer. Find an organization or person who needs help. Whether it's the nearest soup kitchen, an animal shelter or wildlife refuge, an online support group where you can offer advice, or the widow who lives down the street, give to someone else. Even if you think you can't find the time, try it just once. You will come away from the experience feeling more compassionate, productive, and grateful.

3. Re-organize. Look around your home, apartment, or room, and notice where there is clutter. Grab three bags- one for garbage, one for donations, and one for re-locating items elsewhere in your place at a later time. Play music that you find inspiring, and start in one corner, moving around the room in a systematic manner. Place all your trash, unnecessary items, and objects-to-keep in their respective bags.

4. Find a social network. Whether it's an online social community, a place of worship, or rekindling an old friendship, connect with other people. When you connect with others, not only do you distract your mind from your post-holiday sadness, but you open yourself to new opportunities that may salvage your depression for the long haul.

5. Write a list of your goals for the new year. Be realistic and sincere in your desires, but also be open to setting goals that have been long-neglected. Perhaps you hope to find a new job this year, make a new friend, or go on one vacation. Write them down, and then see yourself accomplishing them in your mind's eye. Contemplating your future will give you a new sense of possibility.

The holidays are an ironic time; we are supposed to feel so joyful, but they often lead to feelings of inadequacy or sadness. Following these tips may just help you to get out of that post-holiday rut and feel hope again.

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