Radio Stations have lost their cheery tones, Christmas lights are coming down, and decorations packed neatly in their boxes. Yes, the holidays have come and gone and now we are back to school. We now encounter the dreaded after-holidays blues. We may still have snow on the ground and new gifts to use but now we are back to our mundane routines.

To stop the blues from getting you, too (hehe that rhymed) follow a few of these suggestions to get you into a New Year “spirit” of things with a list of things to do for “The Twelve Days of After-Holiday Blues”.

On the First Day...Join a gym, fitness regimen, or gain new eating habits

Yes, the tried and true New Year’s Resolution! It may have a history of people breaking this new habit but don’t let that be you! Maybe try simpler ways to implement a new routine into your life such as a 10 minute workout video, making a smoothie or dedicating time to eating more greens.

On the Second Day...Try your hand at new hobbies

It’s never too late to pick up a new activity such as knitting, card collecting, writing or something that you’ve always wanted to try. The New Year is a great time to start fresh and create new experiences to broaden your horizons.

On the Third Day...Catch up on a new show

Why not, in your free time, set aside some time to watch that show that everybody is buzzing about? You can even make it a ritual relaxation such as watching an episode before bed while drinking a cup of hot chocolate to keep warm.

On the Fourth Day...Pick up some Books

During this holiday season you probably acquired some pocket money or even gift cards to bookstores like Barnes and Noble so why don’t you invest some of that money in a new book you’ve been interested in or maybe a screenplay you wanted to read.(I suggest Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them). Nothing starts of the new year right than some new knowledge gained!

On the Fifth Day...Get a Makeover

Taking the common saying, “New Year, New Me!” to heart why don’t you try a new hairstyle, or maybe a new accessory? Maybe even walk a bit different or widen your vocabulary? The World is your Oyster!

On the Sixth Day...Closet Cleanout

This may not seem fun but cleaning out all your old clothing and shoes allows you to give those lightly worn objects to those in needs and can make you feel truly fresh in the new year! The best part, an empty closet means you need to fill it! Go on a shopping trip, maybe with friends even and use that holiday money and put it to good use.

On the Seventh Day...Go on an adventure

Why not try something daring and thrilling this season? Don’t mope around the house, go skiing, snow tubing, ice skating! Take this time to go out with friends and maybe try something new along the way!

On the Eighth Day...Weekend getaway

This wintery, after holiday season is the best time of year to go on a small getaway! The hotel, and excursion prices are lower and most of the public places see less traction which means more time for you to have fun with family and friends! Maybe go up to the Poconos for a quick little cabin fun! Head to a family member's house for some quality time!

On the Ninth Day...Leftover holiday candy

Just like Valentine’s Day this Holiday season is no different! Head to your nearest department or local CVS and pick out all the 75% of candy and gifts that they have left over from this season! It’s a perfect time to spoil yourself and it’s not heavy on your budget!

On the Tenth Day...Start an after-holiday tradition

Why don’t you take out the Christmas Tree or the Decoration and Replace it with a new flower bouquet to compliment the house! Reuse all the wrapping paper and make a Paper Mache Decoration! Use your imagination to put some fun into this time of year!

On the Eleventh Day... Rearrange your room

The start of the new year leaves you with ample free time until everyone’s back in the groove of things so why not take this time to clean up a few things maybe even create a new space in your room! How about putting your bed next to the window for a great view in the mornings or put your tv in a new place. Adding a bit of Feng-shui into your life can make a world of difference in your mental state and even make your room look brand new!

On the Twelve Day...Volunteer your time

Why not start out the new year on a positive note? Volunteer at your local soup kitchen, animal shelter or hospital and spread some much needed love to others. After the Holidays most of those in need loose more and more volunteers. Step up, be a leader this year and make a positive impression on someone else’s life.

There you have it The “Twelve Days of After-Holiday Blues”! A great way to combat this somewhat dim season and bring some cheer in your daily life. I hope you all had a Happy Holidays and from Lancer’s Point, we wish you a very Happy New Year!