Planning to ward off post-season blahs :: Emotional and Mental Health

Planning to Ward Off Post-Season Blahs
by author Jenn Farrell

No one could ever accuse me of being a grinch–the weeks and days leading up to December 25th are a flurry of shopping, baking, and planning. The day itself is always a good time, too–though seldom exactly how I had envisioned it. But then it’s over…

Come December 26th, I often think a day (or ten) at the spa would soothe my tired body and restore my spirits to tackle the remaining grey months of winter. Unfortunately, by that date, my charge cards are usually so hot that I have to handle them with welding tongs.

This is where a little long-term thinking comes in: when asked what I would like for Christmas, I might ask for a spa certificate. I already have so much stuff, and it would be nice to get a present that didn’t require the shifting of furniture.

I’ve also considered the idea of budgeting for a small wintertime getaway. Although tropical sunshine is great, there are plenty of seasonal and wallet-friendly options closer to home. A few days in a cozy northern lodge would be relaxing and fun.

I’ve even thought about suggesting that we spend the holidays there. I might ruffle a few extended-family feathers, but think of the fun we’d have: no cooking, no cleaning, and, since the trip itself is the major gift, almost no shopping.

As for shopping, if we do decide to stick it out at home, I plan to make my list early, check it thrice–and stick to it. I’ll try to plan my shopping days in advance as well. I know that the later I leave it, the more harried I’ll be, and then I’ll end up bouncing from store to store, in bleary-eyed competition with all those other last-minute warriors for the boxed manicure sets and silk Santa boxers. Talk about shopper’s remorse!

Another thing I’m going to try to do is maintain my fitness schedule. It’s easy to let things slide at this time of year, but just like money, time can be budgeted. The payoff is huge: not only will I have set boundaries and declared my time as valuable but I’ll be fighting the winter doldrums before they even have a chance to get a toehold.

Speaking of time being valuable, I also plan to delegate; I’ll just keep breaking tasks down into smaller chunks until I find a piece to hand off. I’m going to let go of perfectionism–what’s the worst thing that could happen if the cookies aren’t decorated and the gifts aren’t all wrapped to Martha’s specifications?

In the end, the season is all about sharing and caring, so as long as this thought is part of my long-term plan–along with my request for that spa gift certificate–I might just be successful at keeping the post-season blahs at bay.

Happy holidays–if anyone needs me, I’ll be at the spa…

Jenn Farrell is a Vancouver writer who likes to be kneaded.

Source: alive #302, December 2007

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