How to Recover from Post-Holiday Blues

Jan 6, 2025

post holiday blues

WRITTEN BY: Sarah Rivera, LPC-S

“Happy Holidays,” “Merry Christmas,” “Happy New Year.” The season was filled with joy, cheer, and celebrations—or so it seems for everyone but you. What happens when the season leaves you with post-holiday blues? When the holidays that are supposed to feel magical leaves you feeling empty, sad, or even resentful? What happens when the season fills you with posts-holiday blues and sadness? This article will review post-holiday sadness and how to recover from post-holiday blues. Here are three common reasons why the post-holiday blues may creep in—and how to recover from holiday sadness.

1. Feeling Sadness After the Holidays

The holidays highlight the value of togetherness, but they can also magnify feelings of isolation and sadness. Whether you’re physically separated from loved ones, experiencing strained relationships, or lacking connection, loneliness can hit hard after celebrations end.

How to Recover:

  • Volunteer your time: Many organizations need help year-round, not just during the holidays. Whether it’s assisting at a food bank, mentoring, or offering administrative support, volunteering can bring a sense of purpose and connection.
  • Join a community group: Look for local meetups or interest-based groups to connect with others who share similar hobbies or goals.

2. Overcoming Family Conflict During the Holidays

Family gatherings often bring stress, tension, and unresolved conflict, especially during the holidays. This time tends to highlight even the smallest cracks in family relationships. When gaping holes exist in family systems, the strain becomes unavoidable, making it hard to find joy. Emotional reactivity, past trauma, and dysfunction often resurface, leaving lasting effects on relationships and mental health. It’s especially difficult when everyone gathers, and the emotional distance becomes impossible to ignore.

How to Recover:

  • Reflect on boundaries: Consider what changes you can make next year to protect your peace. For example, limit the time you spend at family events or plan to have an independent celebration.
  • Practice self-care: After an emotionally charged holiday season, focus on activities that help you recharge, such as journaling, exercising, or talking to a therapist.

3. Coping with Grief and Loss After the Holidays

The holidays can intensify feelings of grief and loss, whether you’re missing a loved one, mourning a relationship, or grieving an unfulfilled hope. Watching commercials and hearing songs about families enjoying their time reconnecting and reuniting can feel so bitter when your heart is missing a loved one. Seeing others celebrate milestones or spend time with family can make your loss feel even more profound.

How to Recover:

  • Find a way to Memorialize: Honor the memory of your loved one by lighting a candle, displaying a special photo, or sharing their stories with others.
  • Seek support: Connect with grief support groups or a therapist to process your feelings and find comfort in knowing you’re not alone.

Here are a few tips that you can try today. But if you’re feeling like you need a few more, take a read HERE. There are tons of supportive articles out there, so don’t go at this alone. Your feelings are warranted and valid. When in doubt, talk it out.