by Clark

In my years of working with clients around the holidays, I've noticed a trend. I thought I'd show it to you in hopes of helping your holidays be brighter.

A lot of people talk about having a let down feeling immediately after a holiday (Hanukkah, Christmas, et al). They have shopped, decorated, cleaned and cooked; all in preparation of the holiday. They expend a burst of energy during the main holiday to 'make it happen'. Shortly after, they describe asking themselves, "It's over already?" after the gifts are open; or, "What do we do now?" after the holiday meal is done. This is not an unusual reaction but few people talk about it because it implies being disappointed.

The fact is that they build such occasions up too much. When they aren't perfect or magical, they feel a touch of disappointment. There are things they can do to help themselves. They might help you too:

- Predict the droop: A 'come down' (and even some disappointment) is acceptable and even appropriate. Don't take it as a sign that there's a problem.
- Expect less: Think about what probably will happen, rather than what would be really cool if it did happen. This sounds like settling but it's actually compensation for over-inflated expectations. You will be more satisfied with realistic amounts of cheer when you aren't expecting overwhelming amounts of it.
- Plan: Since you know the 'what now?' is coming, you can plan accordingly. Have a choice of activities ready to suit a variety of interests.
- Reflect Positively: Does it sound odd to get nostalgic about an event that happened a few minutes ago? It's not. Revisiting just-past pleasures reaffirm their validity and reduce the disappointment of it ending.

Accept that some post-holiday let down is normal and be ready to do something about it. This will allow the negative feelings to slide aside. Then they will truly be Happy Holidays.