Admit it, as much as you loved entertaining family; unrestricted devouring of Christmas cookies; in fact, unrestricted devouring of everything; receiving and giving presents, and celebrating generally good cheer, you’re genuinely happy the holidays are over.
That is, if you haven’t further pressured yourself with a slew of resolutions. Let me give you permission to move away from the resolution, MOVE AWAY FROM THE RESOLUTION. It’s not that I don’t want to see you succeed. It’s that I want to see you succeed.
The mere act of returning to a normal lifestyle after holiday overindulgence is worth two resolutions in the hand. And all you need to do is put away the decorations, return to work, throw out the cookies (you know you’re totally sick of them) and return to your humdrum pre-holiday lifestyle.
That is an accomplishment in its own right. You might even consider it a gift. There is comfort in the sameness of everyday life. You know what I mean. If you’ve gone through a traumatic time or have been with a loved one who has, you crave mediocrity. What can be better than curling up in front of the TV to watch the newest Brothers and Sisters, or emptying the fridge of the spinach dip, twice-reheated mini-hotdogs and leftover turkey (where did that come from? Oh geez, not Thanksgiving…)?
There are no more cards to write or gifts to buy. Too late! Remember all those lists you made before the holiday: Presents for friends and family, tips for service industry folks. Damn, what is my letter carrier’s name? Parties to attend or to host? Toss ‘em!
It’s time to gently look ahead. The days are getting longer. December 21 is so last year. The winter will end, eventually, and the crocuses will sprout. And those resolutions that you feel obligated to make, and pressured to keep…to them, I say “Bah Humbug!”
