I have a son who still gets very excited over Christmas. A week or so before Christmas, he said to me that he just can’t wait for Christmas to get here. But then he immediately said, “No, because anticipating Christmas is so much better than the feeling when it is over.”

I don’t think that is just a kid thing. When an event or occasion you have been planning for and working toward for days, weeks, or even months is just suddenly over, there is a natural let-down. Your mind and body have been busy thinking and planning and baking and shopping and wrapping and worshipping and visiting. But then it stops. The Christmas music stops, the parties are over, the people go home, and there is nothing to do.

For some people, that may be an amazing feeling. I’m done. I can relax and rest for a season. But for others, that same tired feeling leads to depression. And more than physical exhaustion, what if, despite you putting all your energy (and possibly too much money) into making the holiday time the best you could, you still had unmet expectations and things just didn’t go as you had hoped?

Sometimes, just getting back into your pre-holiday routine can do wonders for you. Eating healthier food, getting more sleep, and, if possible, spending time walking or other activities outdoors will help restore your energy and a sense of balance. If you did make family or financial mistakes, take the time to rationally think about ways to avoid that the next time the holidays roll around.

But if your sadness is a little more, if it really can’t be fixed by putting the cookies away, I want you to try to remember one thing. The same Emmanuel, the same “God with us” that you put so much energy and time into celebrating in December is still here in January. We might feel different, but He doesn’t. He didn’t change, and He is still there wanting to listen to and help you. And the good news that He brought when He came to earth is still the most amazing news of all. We who were condemned to die now can live forever. And that is something to celebrate even on the coldest, darkest, and saddest day.

If you are having trouble remembering that, get yourself some reminders. Read and think about God’s Word, listen to the encouraging reminders in the music of Hope 100.7 or the messages of 93.7 The Light – not just in the car on the way to work but at home when you can use some help. And make sure you are heading to church. There is no better way to get your mind off your own struggles and be reminded that the news of Christmas is a year-round joy than to be in the presence of God and fellow worshippers.