What To Do With That Post-Holiday Funk

No. 98 - It's gray, cold, and the sun sets before we've even had dinner.

Jan 16, 2026

A mom snuggling with her two sons — All we want right now are blankets and snuggles.

It’s that strange stretch after the holidays where the days are cold and the sun disappears before we’ve had dinner.

We drive through the neighborhood and the last of the Christmas lights are still twinkling. A quiet act of resistance, a refusal to let go of the glow just yet.

We put away the Christmas decorations, but it didn’t feel like the refresh I was hoping for — maybe because it’s still gray outside and the season doesn’t quite call for spring colors yet.

It’s 56 degrees in Texas and we’re acting like we live in the Arctic, so no one wants to be outside. Every night this week we’ve piled onto the couch and watched The Grinch again, both kids can recite every single word by now.

The spark behind New Year’s resolutions and “word of the year” energy is already fading.

Every work conversation that promised to “circle back after the new year” has officially circled back, and I’m struggling to remember what it is I even do. What’s my job? What’s my password? My computer is on its 5th update in five days.

The news is heavy.

And honestly, I’m in a bit of a funk. Anyone else?

My instinct in seasons like this is to hole up and go quiet. But I know that’s not what I need, I know that’s not what’s going to pull me out of it.

So tomorrow night I’m having a few girlfriends over to watch People We Meet On Vacation. Saturday my three‑year‑old starts spring soccer, and there are few things cuter than toddlers running clumsily after a ball. Sunday we’ll go to church (my physical and metaphorical sanctuary this past year) and then the neighborhood dads are hosting a chili cookoff to wrap up the weekend.

If you’re in a funk too, find some people. If they’re not close by, call them, FaceTime them, get in the car and go see them.

I read that the Chinese New Year doesn’t start until February 17th, so maybe we give ourselves permission to hunker down a little longer. Do less than we think we should.

Cook the soups. Watch the movies. Read the books. It’s a season meant for warm and cozy, not momentum.

Let’s call this month what it is, a reset, not a race.

Leave a comment

💇🏻‍♀️ I have fine hair with zero volume, but someone recommended this shampoo and this conditioner and it’s been a game changer. I even got complimented on my work zoom call!

👛 If you’re looking for the perfect bag that can be a shoulder bag or a crossbody, and is big enough to cary all the things we need as moms, this is it.

🍜 This Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Soup is the perfect meal to warm you up on these gray January days.

Welcome to new subscribers - Priyanka M., Kathryn W., Rachel K., Jess A., Allison F., Priya R., Isabel, Charlotte S., Kristine D., Kim P., Lindsey S., and Jenn. I’m so glad to have you here!