Before Christmas it's all about shopping 'til you drop, and shopping for others can be a great pick-me-up... until you glance at your December 26th bank balance.  Dreary winter weather and suddenly having nothing left to plan for can also leave you suddenly feeling less than cheery.  Here are a few tips for happily surviving the week after the holidays.

Life After Holidays

Plan around your leftovers.  Stock your kitchen with eggs, bread, milk, and other staples that you can spice up with your leftovers. This will let you unwind without stressing about meal plans, and eating groceries is much more economical than eating out or ordering in.  Play it classy with a box of wine (or two) and you'll be set to hibernate the rest of your winter break.

Alcohol affects everyone differently, so skip it if you know it will make you feel more down. For some people it ups productivity and mood, helps you relax, and just takes the edge off.  If that's you, sip a cocktail, just do it in moderation.  One or two drinks a day can actually be good for you, but also high in calories.  If a calming effect is all you're after, sip some red wine to help your heart, or make a white wine spritzer with calorie-free club soda.

Take action to beat depression.  As silly as it is, even adults start feeling a bit disappointed once Christmas morning has passed. You spend weeks, even months, preparing for the holiday, and it's normal to feel bummed after it's all over.  If it helps to have things to look forward to, think forward to New Year's, but try to live in the moment.  Help the kids in your family put together their toys, or play with your own gifts!  If the season in general is getting you down, hop in a tanning bed (a few times won't kill you - just get out if you feel your skin start to burn); the vitamin D will boost your mood.  Speaking of vitamins, chewable C vitamins are not only delicious, but calming.  Vitamins B6 and B12 will tackle depression and stress.

Post-Santa Savings

Sell your gift cards.  $50 for a store with nothing you need or want is $50 wasted.  Swap gift cards with friends and fam, or sell it to someone who will use it.  Sweeten the deal by offering up your $50 Sephora gift card for $40 cash.  (Yeah right, like anyone reading this would pass on Sephora, but you get my point.)

If you're into decorations, buy next year's decor now.  Stores will be clearing out holiday merch at discount prices.

Whether your toys or the kids' need batteries, opt for rechargeables.  Store brand batteries may be tempting, but will die quickly in most electronics.  The exception is adult toys.  Those frisky goodies actually work better with the cheapie batteries - pricier name brands will burn out your motor, something you don't want.  Everywhere but in bed, Energizer will keep you going and going and going.

Swap gifts you don't want!  Most stores will give you store credit for a return, so try for a better deal by posting your item for sale or trade on Sparkle Swap, or whip up some winter cocktails and swap unwanted gifts with a group of friends.

What are your rituals after the big holiday plans?