Hi there! Let’s chat about something that happens to pretty much everyone after the holiday sparkle fades – those post-holiday blues. As a therapist who has worked with countless families, I can tell you that feeling a bit down after the decorations come down is totally normal. Add in all that New Year’s pressure, and whew – it can be a lot! Let’s break down what this looks like for different family members and talk about some real ways to cope.
WHY DO WE FEEL THIS WAY?
Think about it – we just spent weeks surrounded by twinkling lights, menorahs, yummy treats, and quality time with loved ones. Now, suddenly, it’s back to regular routines and everyday life, plus everyone’s talking about their amazing New Year’s resolutions and big plans for the year ahead. Talk about mood swings! It’s like going from a fantastic party straight to a six day work week; or from a family steak dinner to a meal of liver and spinach. No wonder we might feel a bit off!
FOR THE LITTLE ONES (AGES 5-12)
Kids often have the hardest time with this transition (and honestly, who can blame them?). You might notice your child:
- Getting a bit cranky or having more meltdowns than usual
- Fighting when it’s bedtime like it’s their job
- Saying I’m bored approximately 148 times a day
- Complaining about tummy aches or not feeling well, more times than not
- Feeling pressured to make “grown-up resolutions they don’t even understand”
- Worrying about being “better” in 2025
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
- Keep things fun! Try creating “mini-celebrations” throughout the week
- Make taco Tuesday a big deal, or start a Sunday afternoon board game tradition
- Instead of resolutions, create a “Fun Things to Try” list
- Focus on one small, enjoyable goal at a time
- Keep some holiday magic alive in small ways
FOR YOUR TEENS (AGES 13-17)
Teenagers might be too cool to admit it, but they’re feeling it too. Watch for:
- Extra time hiding in their room
- More dramatic signs than usual
- Phone becoming permanently attached to their hand
- Increased anxiety about social media posts showing everyone’s “perfect holiday vacation breaks”
- Stress about resolution pressures and transformation posts
- Comparing themselves to peers
THE GOOD STUFF THAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP
- Have casual chats while driving or doing everyday things (less pressure!)
- Help them plan something cool/fun for the near future
- Discuss the reality behind social media posts
- Focus on self-compassion over self-improvement
- Remember, sometimes they just need to know you’re there for them.
YOUNG ADULTS (18-25)
This group is dealing with their own special mix of post-holiday feelings. They might be:
- Stressing about their bank account
- Missing college and their friends
- Missing home and family
- Feeling pressure about New Year’s resolutions
- Wondering if they’re “adult-ing” right
- Comparing their life progress to their peers
- Feeling behind on life milestones
HOW PARENTS CAN SUPPORT THEIR YOUNG ADULTS WITHOUT SMOTHERING:
- Send random funny memes or texts
- Share some easy budget-friendly recipes
- Remind them it’s okay not to have it all figured out
- Help them set realistic, achievable goals
- Validate their feelings about societal pressures
- Keep the door open for regular check-ins
AND DON’T FORGET ABOUT US PARENTS!
Parents, let’s be real – we’re feeling stress too! Between the holiday credit card bills, getting everyone back on schedule and managing our own New Year’s expectations, it’s A LOT!! You may be:
- Feeling pressure to set the “right” example for your children
- Struggling with guilt about last year’s unmet goals
- Trying to help your kids while managing your own expectations
- Dealing with post-holiday burnout
HOW CAN YOU HELP YOURSELF?
- Steal little moments of peace (yes, hiding in a bathroom counts!)
- Connect with other parents who get it
- Keep some holiday joy alive – who says you can’t have Christmas cookies or latkes in January?
- Be kind to yourself – you’re doing better than you think!
- Choose one small change instead of a complete life overhaul
A BETTER WAY TO START 2025
Instead of massive resolutions, try these family-friendly ideas:
- Create a family time capsule of favorite memories
- Pick a fun monthly family challenge (February could be trying new foods!)
- Make a family word theme for the year (like “Adventure” or “Kindness”)
- Start small traditions that bring joy to ordinary days
WHEN TO REACH OUT FOR EXTRA HELP
Sometimes we all need a little professional support, and that’s okay Think about reaching out if you or a family member:
- Can’t shake the blues after a few weeks
- Feels overwhelmed by everyday tasks
- Loses interest in usually fun activities
- Has big changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Feels excessive pressure or anxiety about the new year
CREATING GOOD VIBES AT HOME
Here’s what works for many families I work with:
- Keep talking – about anything and everything
- Start some fun winter traditions (movie nights, anyone?)
- Practice gratitude (even if it’s just “yay, we made it through Monday!”)
- Create cozy routines that everyone enjoys
- Limit social media time if it’s adding to the pressure
- Celebrate small wins and every day moments
LOOKING AHEAD
Remember, these feelings are like guests or clouds in the sky– they’ll visit for a while, but they won’t stay forever. And those big plans for the year ahead? It’s not a demand for transformation – it’s just a new chapter in your continuing story. Some days will be great, and others might be harder, and that’s perfectly normal.
January 1st is just another day. You don’t need a complete life makeover to have a great year ahead. Sometimes the best resolution is deciding not to make resolutions at all.
Need someone to talk to? Let’s connect. My door (and inbox) is always open, and I’d love to help you and/or your family navigate this transition time. Whether you’re dealing with post-holiday blues, feeling overwhelmed by New Year’s expectations, or just need a listening ear for anything you may be going through, there’s someone here to help.