How to Unwind from the Holidays

You've put away the last of the holiday decorations, and all of your out of town guests have returned home. After the holidays, it can be a feat to return to normal and get back into the swing of things. Here are a few tips for unwinding after the holidays and getting back to a normal routine.

Do an after holiday cleaning. It's funny how we spend so much time cleaning and preparing for the holidays, and after it's over, the house is in more disarray than ever. Don't put it off any longer. Be sure to take the time to put your house back in order. The quicker it's done, the better you'll feel. Organizing your home will help you get back to your daily routine.

* Being with cleaning out the refrigerator. Get rid of all of the holiday leftovers, and toss out or give away things you know you're never going to eat (i.e. fruit cake, chocolate truffles, etc.).
* Clean all of the towels, sheets and other bed linen. The guests are gone and you probably have lots of dirty linen. Get this done before you return to work and it will be a burden lifted.
* Catch up on laundry and make sure that your family has everything they need to start the upcoming school/work week.
* Re-stock your food pantry and refrigerator.

Take time out for you and your family. If you hosted holiday guests, you are probably in great need of some "me" time.
* Have a manicure or pedicure, take a long bubble bath or just take time out to read a good book.
* Do a fun family activity like skiing, ice skating or bowling.
* If you really want some time to recoup, consider getting away for a night or weekend. You don't have to go far. Simply head to a local hotel, or a little quaint bed and breakfast nearby.

Put a close to the 2007 holidays.
* I can remember always having "leftover" gifts around the house. These were gifts that I hadn't yet delivered. Take the next couple of days to see to it that all of the gifts have been delivered and you have none left just "lingering" around the house.
* Make sure your decorations are stored away for the year. This means ensuring that everything is in it's permanent place. For example, take the storage containers to the attic, basement or garage.
* Set aside a day to send out thank-you notes, return phone calls or to respond to special holiday greetings.