After Christmas Syndrome
- Ray Reynolds
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
Hello. My name is Ray Reynolds and I suffer from A.C.S. This is commonly known as “After Christmas Syndrome.” The gifts have been unwrapped. My trash cans are full. The leftovers are gone. The tree is down. The lights and ornaments have been put away. Our friends and family have stopped calling, sending cards, and visiting for the holidays. Another Christmas has come and gone. I wonder how many of you are suffering from the post-holiday blues?!?
What do we do now that Christmas is over? Do we simply settle back into the old routine? Are we supposed to just pick up and move on like Christmas never happened? Maybe we need to sit down and start working on New Year’s resolutions to take our minds off the ham, turkey, pumpkin pie, sugar cookies, and… whoops. There I go again! I just can’t shake the after Christmas blues! Maybe I need a support group. Haha. Let me share an anonymous poem I saw on the internet a few years ago…
Twas the day after Christmas, and all through the house,
Every creature was hurtin’ even the mouse.
The toys were all broken, their batteries dead;
Santa passed out, with some ice on his head.
Wrapping and ribbons just covered the floor,
While upstairs the family continued to snore.
And I in my T-shirt, new Reeboks and jeans,
I went into the kitchen and started to clean.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the sink to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtains, and threw up the sash.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a little white truck, with an oversized mirror.
The driver was smiling, so lively and grand;
The patch on his jacket said ‘‘U.S. POSTMAN.’’
With a handful of bills, he grinned like a fox.
Then quickly he stuffed them into our mailbox.
Bill after bill, after bill, they still came.
Whistling and shouting he called them by name:
‘‘Now Dillard’s, now Broadway’s, now Penny’s and Sears
Here’s Robinson’s, Levitz’s and Target’s and Mervyn’s.
To the tip or your limit, every store, every mall,
Now chargeaway-chargeaway-chargeaway all!’’
He whooped and he whistled as he finished his work.
He filled up the box, and then turned with a jerk.
He sprang to his truck and he drove down the road,
Driving much faster with just half a load.
Then I heard him exclaim with great holiday cheer,
‘‘ENJOY WHAT YOU BOUGHT . . . . . . .
YOU’LL BE PAYING ALL YEAR!’’
Shift Your Focus from "The Day" to "The Presence"
We often experience a slump because we treated Christmas like a finish line. We put all our emotional energy into December 25th. However, the message of Emmanuel is that God is with us — not just during a candlelight service or caroling in the neighborhood — but on a mundane Tuesday in January. Instead of mourning the end of the festivities, thank God that the same Jesus we celebrated in the manger is walking with you into the New Year. The decorations are temporary; His presence is permanent.
Guard Your Heart Against "Resolution Guilt"
As we look toward the New Year, the world pressures us to "reinvent" ourselves. If we aren't careful, our resolutions can become a burden of works-based righteousness. We feel like we have to earn a "better version" of ourselves. Paul said, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). Instead of a long list of self-improvement goals, ask God for a "Holy Intention." What is one way He wants to grow your heart this year? Focus on grace-driven change rather than willpower-driven perfection.
Clear the Clutter, Create the Space
There is something spiritual about clearing out the physical and mental clutter of the previous year. As you pack away the ornaments, use it as a symbolic time to "lay aside every weight" (Hebrews 12:1). We also took the initiative to clean out our closets this year at the same time. Take time to...
Reflect: What did God teach you in 2025?
Release: What hurts or failures do you need to leave at the foot of the cross?
Receive: What new thing is God doing in your life?
Look Forward with "Gospel Hope"
The New Year isn’t just about a new calendar; it’s about the mercies of God that are "new every morning" (Lamentations 3:22-23). If you’re feeling the blues, it may be because you’re looking backward at what’s over. Turn your gaze forward. God is already in your 2026. He has already prepared the "good works" for you to walk in. The best way to beat the blues is to ask, "Lord, who can I serve today?"
The star didn't stay over the stable forever; it led the wise men out on a journey. Let this post-Christmas season be the start of your journey into everything God has planned for you this year. Don’t get discouraged. Shake off that “After Christmas Syndrome” by seeking the Lord first in EVERY season. Keep that spirit of giving all year long. Have a great week!
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds
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