Some people have a difficult time letting go of the holidays. It all seems so sudden. One day you have lights, gifts, and holiday cheer. The next, well…there's nothing but gray winter.
If you and your children experience heightened boredom or a reluctance to take down the holiday decorations, consider extending the season. Here are some ideas you might want to incorporate into your family.
- Prolong the Christmas Season.
- Go ahead and leave up the Christmas decorations! Epiphany or Three Kings Day occurs on January 6. This is the day when the three wise men are said to have arrived in Bethlehem to present Baby Jesus with gifts. The holiday is celebrated in various ways throughout the world, but is generally associated with special pastries and gifts. Some countries, like Puerto Rico, go caroling.
- In Iceland, the date is celebrated with bonfires and fireworks. This holiday is closely associated with the 12 days of Christmas.
- Additionally, the Russian Orthodox Christmas doesn't happen until January 7. On Christmas Eve (January 6) people celebrating the Russian Orthodox Christmas fast after breakfast until the first star appears. Then they set the table and enjoy roasted goose and Christmas cakes. For seven days, there's caroling as well as trick-or-treating for presents. They also try to foresee what will happen in the coming year.
- Have a Mid-January Party.
- If you're ready to take town the tree and pack Christmas stockings away, but still want decorations, you can celebrate mid-winter. Decorate with white twinkle lights, snowmen and sparkly snowflakes to help you feel festive.
- If you need an excuse to party, here's an excellent one. In Japan, all those who will become "adults" during the year are honored on Coming of Age day (January 15). The new adults attend parties dressed in their best. It can be likened to the old social debut parties of the aristocratic young. You can host a formal party with a few of your friends on this date.
- January 15 is also Hat day in America. If you're not into formal wear, just host a party and offer a prize for the person wearing the most outlandish hat.
- Take Care of Nature.
- Tu Bi'shevat, or the Jewish festival of trees, stresses the need to take care of nature. It falls on the fifteenth day of the Jewish month Shevat, which occurs approximately in mid-January in the Gregorian calendar. The day is celebrated by planting trees and eating fresh and dried fruits.
- If you used a live Christmas tree, now is an ideal time to plant it. This is also a good time to prune deciduous trees, plant rosebushes, and look through seed catalogs to plan for your spring garden. You can also perform maintenance on your garden equipment. For example, paint the handles of your garden tools a bright color like neon pink. Not only will it preserve the wood but it will also make them easier to see amongst the green foliage.
These are just a few ideas to help you fight off mild post-holiday blues. There are many more. Ask your friends what they do to cope with winter blahs.
If you have severe or prolonged depression, seek help from a trusted professional. |
