I don’t know about you all, but I really needed Christmas this year. After a 2020 full of disappointments and postponements, uncertainty and disruption, and worry and weirdness, something to look forward to has felt more welcome than ever.
Which makes me a little concerned about all of us on December 26, if I’m honest. Even in a typical year, there can be a sense of letdown when the guests all leave or the last gift is opened. And in 2020, I worry that the letdown may be much more acute, as many of the traditions that would have given the hours and days after Christmas morning shape and joy and meaning simply aren’t happening this year – to say nothing about all the things that also won’t be happening in January and February.
But here’s the good news: the holiday doesn’t end at midnight on December 25. Many of us have an extended break ahead, whether it’s time off from work or kids home from school. And even if you don’t get the benefits of a longer break, you’ll probably notice that the world around you is still moving in a kind of slow-motion, inviting us all to indulge in some more relaxation and cheer before we get back to our usual routines.
Most years, the week after Christmas would be full of visiting family, feasting, and festivities. Since that’s not happening for me this year, I’m thinking proactively about how to spend next week so that I get a little dose of fun, some R&R, some socializing, and some inspirational planning on the agenda. Some things I’m thinking about:
- Movies. I’m not a huge cinema-goer, but I’d typically go to the movies two or three times over vacation. That’s not happening this year, but certainly I can find time to pop some corn, dim the lights, and check out a new release or two on Netflix.
- My toenails. Confession: once I start wearing socks every day I don’t think too much about my toes until I take said socks off at night, and what am I gonna do about my ratty toenails and calluses then? Going on my calendar, posthaste: an at-home pedicure. Scrub, pumice, the little stick thingy, polish, THE WORKS.
- Big-picture planning. My favorite thing about the week between Christmas and New Year? It’s not the new year yet, so I’ve still got plenty of time to make fresh, lofty plans and tweak to my heart’s desire. I’m scheduling time to think about brushing up my routines and my goals for 2021. There may be color-coding and a new journal involved. My heart is happy.
The holidays can be magical, friends, but let’s not forget that they aren’t all the magic we get. We have Sharpies and nail polish and journals and movies + popcorn to look forward to, and so much more: next week and for the next many weeks, Covid or no Covid.
I’d love for you to plan your post-holiday self-care with me, so we don’t find those after-Christmas days slipping away. What would you love most to spend next week doing?
This is a really good point Meagan. I had been thinking about this myself; it’s good to know I’m not the only one. Thanks for some great ideas.
Thank you for your daily messages. I’ve also been thinking about the time after Christmas. A pedicure and movies are on my list but I’m also planning a few special meals, reading, getting outside for hikes and bike rides with my little family, and maybe try to find some snow to play in (we’ll see about that part).
I’m gonna use the time to do some fun creating just for me. I run a small business and it’s been busy with custom orders but I’m excited just to create for me. No pressure.
I think we will eat fun food, whip around the hood on kiddos new scooter and relax.