After the Wrapping Paper Settles: Caring for Yourself the Day After Christmas

Merry Christmas, friends! The lights are still twinkling, the gifts are unwrapped, and the cookies are (mostly) gone. But once Christmas Day passes, many of us feel something unexpected: a crash. Whether it’s exhaustion from all the planning, a little sadness that the big day is over, or just the quiet after so much chaos, the “holiday hangover” is very real. But it’s also normal.

The day after Christmas doesn’t have to feel like a letdown—it can be an invitation to slow down, breathe, and take care of yourself. Here are a few gentle reminders to help you reset:

Rest Is Not Laziness

You’ve likely been running on holiday adrenaline— shopping, decorating, cooking, wrapping, hosting. Now that the whirlwind is over, your body and mind need time to catch up. Take a nap, stay in your pajamas, or let yourself binge a comfort show. Rest is a way to recover, not something to feel guilty about.

Embrace the Quiet

The hustle and bustle can be exciting, but the sudden silence afterward can feel… strange. Instead of fighting it, lean in. Light a candle, make a cup of tea, journal, or simply sit with the calm. Quiet moments are where reflection and real peace often happen.

Acknowledge the Feelings

It’s okay if you’re a little sad the holiday is over. Sometimes, when the buildup is so big, the “after” feels flat. Acknowledge it instead of brushing it aside. Tell yourself: “This feeling is temporary, and it makes sense after all the excitement.”

Reset with Intention

Think of the day after Christmas as a soft landing, not an abrupt stop. Use this time to gently reset:

• Tidy up one small space instead of tackling everything.
  
  

• Write down a few moments you want to remember from this holiday.
  
  

• Dream a little about the year ahead— without pressure.
  
  

Takeaway:

The day after Christmas isn’t about productivity or keeping the cheer alive at all costs It’s about permission. Permission to rest, to reflect, to feel, and to ease yourself into whatever comes next.

After the wrapping paper settles, the best gift you can give yourself is comfort, patience, and grace.