Holiday Pause - 12/31/24

      The dreaded seven days that stretch from Christmas to New Year’s, where everything seems a blur. What to do during these confusing times? How does one keep track of the date, or even the day of the week, for that matter? Let this serve as a guide on how to navigate the annual holiday season No Man’s Land which has everyone feeling bored or lost.

Do Not Enter

      I’ve designated the title “No Man’s Land” to the dreary week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve (NYE) due to the ambiguity of the period. It’s a time no one really wants to enter, often ignored until right at one’s doorstep. Coming off the post-Christmas high full of new gadgets and gizmos, the days following can be dull. Family members who live out of town are most likely returning home, and the adults are reporting to the office. This can pose as an awkward time specifically for parents since they must return to the normal routine, including work, yet another big holiday is on the cusp that requires much attention and preparation. Who would want to have to face their boss after spending quality time with the family and arranging plans for New Year’s simultaneously? I’ll tell you who, not me, and I don’t even have a full-time job yet. For kids, since winter recess is at its peak during this time, it’s no surprise that they can’t keep track of the days either since the only thing they’re worried about is no teachers and no homework.

      During this time, the physical transition must also be acknowledged when considering the causes of this strange holiday intermission. Some rush to put all the festive decor away, shoving holiday cheer into buckets underneath the stairs or next to Dad’s tools in the shed. Such a quick shift can evoke a dissociative feeling. I’m not ashamed to admit I’ve definitely gone multiple holiday seasons questioning, did Christmas actually just happen, or did I imagine all of the wrapping and baking? The only person equipped to answer this question is Santa himself, and sadly, he hasn’t responded to my letters in years. What deems this period as a No Man’s Land is the fight or flight reaction it creates. One must persevere to get to the other side. Even if you’re confused, there’s no time to think since the next celebration is right around the corner. Drop the tinsel and the muddy shower thoughts and grab the party horns and sparklers because NYE is coming to town.

Instructions for Survival

      For the fortunate folks who don’t have to return to their 9-5 on the 26th of December, the No Man’s Land before NYE is the perfect time to get your ducks in a row or embark on a getaway. If you dare to visit your local mall, bring all the gifts that weren’t on your list and exchange them for something new and shiny you prefer. All the post-holiday discounts might be a slap in the face, but returning your not-so-favorite gifts is worth the temporary irritation of realizing something you just bought Grammy at full price is now 50% off. Apologies for the f*** price-gauging sidebar, but someone had to say it.

      Some stores don’t care if you lack a receipt or will at least provide you with store credit. As someone whose mother hasn’t saved a receipt since the 90s, this is a huge plus. If you or your family hosted for Christmas, then this week can be used to reset the house or one’s mind. For all those exhausted holiday hosts out there, use this time to decompress and reward yourself with some self-care. If a face mask isn’t your thing, you could always go on a seven-day bender instead. Alcohol equals self-care, right? I recommend this if you will be practicing Dry January. I would throw back as many Moscow Mules as possible before committing to a month of sobriety.

      Another tip is to see your people. Haven’t spent time with friends since you’ve been couped up with relatives for the holidays? Plan an activity with your buddies. Grab a drink with the girls. The key point is to spend time with the people that matter to you before you lock back in for another celebration. If the homies aren’t available, dive into a new hobby. I know this might seem like more New Year’s territory, but chances are you received some kind of craft or game on Christmas that you can now break out when you’re bored. Speaking from personal experience, one year, I took on coloring (book with lines necessary) and crochet. I know this isn’t a hobby, but you could get a head start on new goals and plan the resolutions you’ll be ditching shortly after the ball drops!

      The last resort during this uncomfortable span of days is to run. Simply, just leave. Use your Christmas gift cards to sponsor that trip you’ve been wanting to take. Whether it’s a vacay that requires airfare or a two-day road trip, if you’ve got nothing to do or extra time off, why not venture out of town? If you’re someone who is type A (couldn’t be me), take this as a note of inspiration to plan out a vacation during No Man’s Land next year.

Closing Thoughts

      Whatever you decide to do during the week between Christmas and New Year’s just don’t get stuck. Finding yourself trapped in Holiday No Man’s Land with nowhere to go can be a swallowing feeling, and although you might find yourself unstuck once NYE hits, any added mental frustration is not worth it. When Christmas Eve comes around in the following years, remind yourself what’s next. Arrange the appropriate rations, and seek shelter if needed, but when in doubt don’t stress, it’s only seven days after all.