4 ways to fight the after-Christmas blues

Written By Clay Monkus

A couple of years ago, I dropped my favorite Christmas coffee mug.

You know the one - that perfect mug that made every morning feel a little more festive, that had survived countless holiday seasons, and somehow made even gas station coffee taste like a Christmas miracle.

But there it was, shattered on my kitchen floor.

And honestly? It felt like a perfect metaphor for how I was feeling: Christmas was over, and reality had come crashing back.

I stood there looking at the pieces, still smelling like peppermint mocha, and thought, 'Well, that's about right.'

Here's what nobody posts on Instagram: December 26th hits different.

The carols stop.

The family leaves.

The credit card bill arrives.

And somewhere between the missing sausage balls (don’t judge me) and taking down the decorations, you find yourself wondering if it's normal to feel so... empty.

And then comes the guilt. After all, shouldn't we as Christians be above this? Shouldn't the 'joy of the Lord' be enough?

“While prayer is absolutely essential to our spiritual well-being, sometimes we need to combine our prayers with practical steps”

While prayer is absolutely essential to our spiritual well-being (and I'll be the first to tell you it's transformed my life), sometimes we need to combine our prayers with practical steps - just like how Jesus often both prayed for people AND gave them specific things to do.

Let me share 4 ways I've learned to fight the after-Christmas blues - and yes, we'll be praying through each one of these, but we'll also be taking some practical steps that Jesus modeled for us.

4 ways to fight the after-Christmas blues

1. Return to Rhythm (But Don't Rush)

The day after our family left, I tried to jump right back into my normal routine. Big mistake.

Ever notice how Jesus often withdrew to quiet places after big events? He knew something we often forget: transition takes time.

Instead of rushing back to 'normal':

  • Give yourself permission to ease back in

  • Start with just one or two regular routines

  • Use this 'in between' time to reflect on what God showed you during the season

2. Redirect Your Anticipation

When my coffee mug shattered, I realized I had lost more than just a piece of ceramic - I'd lost something to look forward to each morning.

The post-Christmas blues often hit hardest because we've lost our sense of anticipation. Jesus was always pointing His disciples toward what was coming next.

  • Start planning one thing to look forward to in each week of January

  • Look for new ways God might be working in the ordinary

  • Set one meaningful goal that excites you (and no, it doesn't have to be losing 20 pounds)

3. Reach Out (Even When You Want to Hibernate)

The irony of post-Christmas blues is that they hit hardest when we isolate. Jesus constantly pushed people toward community, even when they wanted to retreat.

  • Schedule one coffee date with a friend for next week

  • Be honest with your small group about how you're feeling

  • Look for someone else who might be struggling and reach out to them

  • Remember, serving others often helps heal our own hearts

4. Reframe Your Story

That broken coffee mug? It became a reminder to look for God in the ordinary days, not just the festive ones.

The post-Christmas season isn't just an ending - it's also a beginning.

  • Start a gratitude journal (yes, I know it sounds cliché, but it works)

  • Look for 'everyday miracles' - those small moments where God shows up

  • Share your hopes for the new year with others

  • Remember that God's presence isn't limited to December 25th

After 55 post-Christmas seasons, here's what I've learned: sometimes the 'blues' aren't just a letdown - they're an invitation.

An invitation to find God in the quiet after the celebration, in the ordinary moments after the extraordinary ones.

After all, Jesus spent most of His time not in big moments, but in daily life with people just like us.

And about that broken coffee mug?

I replaced it with one that reminds me that every morning - whether it's December 25th or January 25th - is a gift.

It might not have reindeer on it, but it holds the same promise: God is present in every season, even the quiet ones after the carols fade.

Clay Monkus

Clay has devoted nearly three decades to reimagining what church can be. As a pastor and leader, he's dedicated his life to creating authentic spaces for people who've previously walked away from faith and church. His passion isn't found in building traditional religious structures, but in fostering communities where every person's story is safe and no one faces judgment.

Clay has consistently pushed against the conventional boundaries of church culture, choosing instead to focus on what he believes matters most: helping people discover the full and meaningful life Jesus offers.

Through his authentic approach and genuine care for others, he's helped countless individuals find hope and purpose, particularly those who thought they'd closed the door on faith forever.

With more than 30 years of pastoral experience, Clay leads with a simple mission: everyone's welcome, no perfect people allowed. His approach to ministry emphasizes creating safe spaces where real conversations happen and genuine community flourishes.

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