Transition Traditions

I love the holidays. It's the only time that my entire extended family gets together. I love traditions and we have several during this time of the year.

The problem is every year I have what I call the "Christmas crash". My extended family is gone and there is nothing to look forward to, except the long, dreary winter months. I end up in a very depressed state and sometimes it takes months to bounce back.

My therapist suggested that maybe I should come up with some "transition traditions". A thing(s) that I can do after the holidays to look forward to and keep my spirits up.

I am looking for suggestions of what traditions I could implement. Does anyone else "crash" into a depression after the holidays? What do you do to bounce back or prevent it from happening?

FYI - If it makes a difference, I am married and have one child (13), who is bipolar.

Thanks!

Having something out there to look forward to is a good way to cope with anticipated let-downs. Any chance you and your family could book a brief vacation in January or February? I know your son is in school but maybe over a long weekend?

I mentioned this in another post but Christmas really isn't my thing and I am relieved it is over. I am going to the craft store today to buy the materials to make some new projects I have been wanting to try. Having projects I enjoy lined out for the winter months helps me.

^^ i agree. a new pet, journaling, redecorating, an art project, studying...

With the excess activity I am exhausted after Christmas. Right now there are things I need to be doing but I am too tired to be bothered. Having something to look forward to may help. Maybe try planning a special activity, or take up a new hobby or fun project. Maybe with Christmas gone you will have more time for these sorts of things. Love and best wishes.