The week after Christmas can feel oddly suspended in time—a liminal stretch of days where the festive glow lingers, yet the momentum of a brand new year hasn’t quite kicked in. For many, this period, nestled between December 26 and the first full week of January, is tinged with a peculiar melancholy often dubbed the post-holiday blues. But what if this time could be transformed into a season of comfort, connection, and even a bit of adventure?
On December 26, 2025, Susan Marquez, writing for Magnolia Tribune, offered a practical and heartfelt guide to sidestepping the post-holiday slump. Her list of ten sure-fire ways to keep spirits high includes both simple pleasures and meaningful traditions. "Go on a Christmas lights tour," Marquez suggests, noting that the magic of twinkling displays doesn’t vanish overnight. It’s a chance to pile into the car with friends or family, soak in the lingering glow, and perhaps recapture a bit of that childlike wonder.
Another of Marquez’s recommendations is to attend church on the Sunday after Christmas. "You may have missed the pre-Christmas services, but the Sunday after Christmas is a perfect time to reflect on the season and the early life of Christ," she writes. This spiritual reset, she says, marks the beginning of ordinary time and offers a moment to pause and appreciate the deeper meaning of the holidays.
But the list doesn’t stop at reflection. Marquez champions rolling up your sleeves and getting organized by cleaning out a closet and donating items to charity before the year ends. Not only does this make space for new gifts, but it also extends the spirit of giving to those in need. For those craving a dose of culture, she suggests visiting area museums, which often feature special exhibits during the quieter week after Christmas.
For those who prefer a more social route, Marquez recommends bar hopping. "Bars and restaurants are still decorated for Christmas and offer special holiday cocktails," she notes. It’s an opportunity to enjoy festive atmospheres without the crowds that often pack venues earlier in December. And for anyone feeling worn out, she prescribes a day of pure laziness: "Take a day for yourself and snuggle up with a nice warm blanket, a cup of hot chocolate, and lose yourself in the Christmas movies on TV." Sometimes, the best medicine is simply allowing yourself to rest.
Gratitude, Marquez reminds readers, also works wonders. "Write thank-you notes. It is scientifically proven that gratitude gives you a boost." And if cabin fever strikes, she encourages a trip to the movie theater—popcorn in hand, blockbuster on the big screen—to shake up the routine. For those with a bit more wanderlust, a day trip to a nearby town or a brisk walk in the fresh air (especially for those lucky enough to live in temperate climates like Mississippi) can offer a change of scenery and a lift in mood.
Rounding out her list, Marquez highlights the value of planning a fun New Year’s Eve and embracing the tradition of making resolutions. She shares her own family’s custom: "Our family hosts an open house on New Year’s Day. There is a big pot of black-eyed peas and turnip green soup on the stove for good luck and prosperity in the new year. We serve a heaping helping of cornbread on the side, along with champagne to toast the new year." For her, starting the year with a house full of loved ones is always a blessing.
While Marquez’s advice is rooted in tradition and community, others have looked to culture for comfort in this in-between season. Kelly McClure, writing for Salon on December 26, 2025, describes this post-holiday stretch as a "liminal space"—a time when expectations hang in the air and the realities of the new year haven’t quite arrived. To combat the blues, McClure and her colleagues recommend a buffet of cultural comforts, from binge-worthy TV shows to healing fiction, music, and podcasts.
One standout suggestion is the Netflix series The Abandons, released December 4, 2025. Starring Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey as rival matriarchs in the 1850s West, the show quickly climbed to #4 on Netflix’s Global Top 10. According to McClure, it’s the perfect choice for a day spent shirking New Year’s resolutions and indulging in a little escapism. The series’ blend of action, drama, and star power has resonated with viewers looking for something both gripping and comfortingly familiar.
For those who prefer literary solace, Salon’s Erin Keane recommends two Japanese healing fiction books released in 2025: Hisashi Kashiwai’s Menu of Happiness and Hiyoko Kirisu’s The Amberglow Candy Store. Both novels revolve around food—and, more importantly, the ways in which shared meals and culinary mysteries foster human connection. As Keane puts it, these stories "revolve around small, personal stories about human connection, which I find myself needing more and more of these days."
Podcasts, too, offer a unique brand of comfort. The British actor Bill Nighy’s "ill-advised by Bill Nighy," launched in October 2025, features nine episodes at press time. Nighy’s self-effacing humor and warm delivery create what Salon’s Andi Zeisler describes as "a stealth pep talk packed with recommendations and insight." Whether answering questions about social etiquette or simply sharing his favorite comforting smells, Nighy’s podcast is a gentle companion for those who panic every time the phone rings—or just need a soothing voice in their ear.
Music fans might find joy in the retro-inspired singles of viral TikTok star Mr. Fantasy, who burst onto the scene in 2025 with three dance-focused tracks blending 1970s funk, 1980s disco, and modern pop. His flamboyant persona and upbeat tunes have brought a dose of joy and fantasy to listeners at the end of a turbulent year. Meanwhile, William Beckmann’s album Whiskey Lies & Alibis, released in June 2025, offers country music with heart, drawing on influences from Ray Price to Vicente Fernández and delivering songs for aching hearts and dreamers alike.
For those craving laughter, the Adult Swim series Haha, You Clowns—now streaming on HBO Max—delivers wholesome absurdity through the story of three brothers and their widowed father. The show’s blend of awkward animation and heartfelt camaraderie fosters a sense of serenity and camaraderie, proving that a little silliness can go a long way in lifting spirits.
And let’s not forget anime fans: Haikyu!!, the beloved volleyball-themed series, continues to win hearts with its story of teamwork, perseverance, and character growth. With new episodes announced for 2027, now is the perfect time to binge or rewatch, according to Salon’s Hanh Nguyen.
Whether you’re drawn to the glow of lingering Christmas lights, the comfort of a favorite show, or the warmth of community traditions, this post-holiday period doesn’t have to be a letdown. With a little intention—and a dash of cultural curiosity—it can become a time to recharge, reconnect, and maybe even discover new sources of joy for the year ahead.
