In case anyone needs permission, it is okay to admit that you feel relief when the holidays are history, over and done for another year. If we are honest, seasonal fatigue and exhaustion get the better of most of us at some time during or after the holiday season.

   After Christmas, there are visual metaphors around us everywhere that remind us of the waning season. As I drove down a neighborhood street on a rainy Saturday morning, in one front yard I saw four deflated figures, each a small, sad puddle of lifeless plastic that only a week before stood tall to herald the season.

   When the festivities at last come to an end, most are grateful simply to be vertical. By and large we have survived the merriment, the sorrow of remembrance moments and, for many, the stress of family togetherness. We take a victory lap and give ourself a pat on the back because we are still upright—physically, emotionally, and spiritually, “Truly God is good to the upright, to those who are pure in heart” (Psalm 73:1).

   As the New Year approaches, we realize that life presses on, whether we like it or not. Time stands still for no one. Many are full of energy and well-intentioned resolutions as they plan for the new year. Yet for some, the challenge may be simply to live one day at a time. If you are struggling to cross the threshold of a New Year, forget about those extra five pounds and whatever else is on your mental list of "shoulds”. Consider instead a few simple things you can do to help yourself move forward into the New Year:

• Think about new ways to pray—for yourself and for others. Pray for renewal and personal transformation, "Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer" (Romans 12:12).
•  Be thankful for who you are and for the God-given gifts and graces that are yours alone to share with the world around you.
• Be grateful for the gift of life.
• Resolve to complain less, especially about what can never be changed.
• Read more for spiritual understanding and enrichment.
• Write in a journal, listen to your inmost heart. Your words will show you where you have been and give you direction for the future.
• Find your smile and laugh out loud. The relief may surprise you.
• Stay connected to the world—the world is not waiting on you or for you.
• Learn again how to relax. When you do, you see that spiritually, you are fully equipped to survive whatever the new year may hold for you.
• Reach out to others if you feel isolated or lonely. 
• Stretch your heart and mind to grow toward God.     

   As you greet the New Year, trust that God has a perfect plan for your future, dare to contemplate the endless possibilities of life, and persevere in hope, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).

   Above all else, remember to be thankful for the steadfast love and faithfulness of God, “for whatever is born of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world, our faith” (1 John 5:4).

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23