Q&A for How to Cope With Post Holiday Syndrome

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What causes post-holiday syndrome, and how do I deal with it?

Anna Elton, PhD, LMFT
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Anna Elton, PhD, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Clinical Sexologist, Speaker, and Author based in Florida. With over 15 years of experience, she works with individuals, couples, and families both nationally and internationally. Dr. Elton is an author and the founder of the non-profit “I Care We All Care". She is also the host of Life, Love, Etc., a bi-weekly relationship show reaching over 100,000 viewers per episode. Her clinical work and insights have been featured on PBS, FOX, ABC, and NBC, and she contributes regularly to Psychology Today through her blog Life, Love, Etc. She received a Ph.D in Clinical Sexology from MSTI, a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from UMass Boston, and a BS in Psychology from UMass Boston.

Anna Elton, PhD, LMFT

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

Expert Answer

Many individuals experience post-holiday blues as the holiday season can bring about various stressors such as financial constraints and strained relationships, among other things. However, it's crucial to remind yourself of your New Year's resolutions. Remember, you don't have to wait for the new year to set resolutions. Whenever you're ready for change, you can establish your goals. Be your own source of encouragement and affirm that you are capable of achieving your objectives by setting small, attainable milestones and keeping your overarching goal in sight. While some people may experience a dip in mood after the holidays, it doesn't determine their future success in reaching their goals.

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Question

What if my child is very sad Christmas is over? She starts crying when we take everything down and everybody goes home. What can I do for her?

Community Answer

Remind her that Christmas will come around again before she knows it. Maybe also mention some other things she has to look forward to in the nearer future. Let her keep a decoration or two up in her room or around the house and keep her favorite Christmas movie on the DVR or on DVD for her to watch if she wants.

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Why do I feel so upset once Christmas is over?

Community Answer

Because Christmas is a fun time and you've been looking forward to it. Once it's over, you feel like you don't have anything to be excited about anymore.

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What happens if you have a child who is missing Christmas?

Community Answer

Talk to your child about next Christmas and things she might enjoy in the upcoming year to take her mind off of it.

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