The Elves are Gone, the Post-Holiday Blues are Here, and My 2026 Resolution is to Have More Patience!

Ah, the dawn of a new year! The end of the Christmas season hit me like a snowball to the face this time around. My mother would be appalled if she saw my tree still standing, but I tell myself those decorations are for the winter, not just Christmas. I'll get around to taking it down in a couple of weeks... definitely before Valentine's Day!

The elves made a hasty exit on December 21—caught the flu and bailed on our cross-state journey to my hometown. They skipped their flu shots and yes, I did use green slime to depict elf snot!

To sum up how my Christmas went this year, I got two migraines leading up to the holiday and then got food poisoning on Christmas Eve. Feasting on saltine crackers and water is not my idea of a holiday meal. Then, I had to endure a 6.5-hour drive on Christmas back to my home, after having to watch everyone else partake of the holiday lunch at my dad's house. The day after Christmas, my third migraine hit me like a reindeer on a sugar rush, right before my kids' Christmas celebration at our house. Excedrin helped but I was wiped out. The kids were overjoyed, so it was one of those "grin and bear it" moments to keep their holiday spirit alive. Definitely one of my top worst Christmases ever.

By Saturday, I was feeling more like my jolly old self but missed out on enjoying the holiday like usual, which has left me in a funk. Then, two days before New Year's, my little one got a fever at daycare. That meant an extra day off work, and when I'm wallowing in post-holiday blues, I'd rather be at work to shake them off!

I'm now on day five of my toddler being home with me, and the stage 5 clinger won't let me out of his sight. Daycare drop-off is going to be a tearful showdown when we return to our normal weekly grind.

And to try to shake off these post-holiday blues, I'm looking ahead for some snow. It's not on the radar yet but it's something we like to wait on. It may not happen this year, but we are prepared with our snowsuits and boots. While Summer is my favorite time of year, I do enjoy a good snowfall. The crisp air and the magical blanket of snow that covers everything. My daughter and I also recently discovered the ultimate sledding spot. It's a bit of a trek to the second phase development in our neighborhood, but sliding down that hill will be worth every step.

As for my resolutions this year, I'm hoping for more grace and patience. I want to make wise choices and keep my kids healthy and happy. I wish for peace and understanding for everyone. I want so many good things to happen this year and every year after. Here's to a fabulous 2026 and to the 2-year-old screaming less!

Happy New Year!

--Amber