By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Something that can be done to keep the post-moving doldrums away is to make sure that you get a good amount of sunlight and physical activity. Take strolls if you're able to and obtain ample physical activity indoors if you're unable to be outdoors. Research indicates that endorphins make us feel good, and physical activity floods your body with those little goodies.
Send a Family Newsletter and Change of Address Cards
If you've not mailed change of address cards to your pals, it's time. Snap a pic of your family members along with your new home and integrate a chatty family newsletter regarding all your "news"--home, city, employment, schools. Telling your old buddies concerning your new life can put a smile on your face--it is bittersweet, no doubt, but will make it easier to proceed.
Ensure that your kids are aware that Santa is getting the change of address information, too. Include a copy of the newsletter with their letters to Santa, and when they get older, frame both as a keepsake.
Get Involved—Volunteer
You'll find sufficient chances to become involved in your new area through schools, church, and non-profit groups, and the holidays are the same. Have a look at community social media pages for groups which appeal to you and your family, and plan a Sunday wrapping presents or an afternoon in a soup kitchen.
Many community groups offer households the chance to supply Christmas for disadvantaged children and households, and that is a wonderful way to get your young ones involved. Take them shopping with you--ask their advice on colors and styles, games and toys, and allow them to decide on a couple of gifts. Some organizations request that you bring unwrapped items. If you're wrapping the items, have your kids choose gift wrap and gift bags. Remember to label wrapped items with names and sizes.
While avoiding becoming too schmaltzy over it, this sort of group exercise does wonders towards boosting adolescent attitudes--of course, your children are surely feeling sorry for themselves, missing their old friends, nevertheless serving others will go quite a distance in the direction of getting things back into perspective.
Take a Holiday Trip
In England, a holiday is a vacation. If you cannot dive into the spirit of the season as part of your new area, and also you cannot go back to friends and family, have a holiday--blow the whole thing off. This tactic only is effective if no one is really anticipating Santa (although with overnight delivery almost anywhere, why not), or you are not flying to your vacation--lugging along all the presents results in significant checked baggage costs. Here are a few suggestions for a holiday escape.
· Local resort--a vacation resort of some kind is inside of a day's drive of nearly anywhere in the country. These possibilities integrate things to do for your children and grown-ups (supervised for kids, grownups not really), fabulous decorations, wonderful meals, as well as a nice break from the routine. Seek out things such as decorating gingerbread houses, Yule log hunts, sleigh rides with hot chocolate, and even making sandcastles on the seashore--depending on the place you visit.
· Island retreat--when you consider the total expenses across the holidays, a tropical vacay might not be as preposterous as you assume. Sure, it is a fairly large total, but when you perform the math on trees, presents, hosting a party, new apparel for events, decorations, and whatever else, this is typically a astonishing amount, too. This is a better option with older kids, who are able to entertain themselves as you rest.
· Christmas in the city--if you have observed the Macy's Thanksgiving parade and dreamed of Christmas in New York, turn this into the year you go. Chicago, Boston, San Francisco, and Nashville are other cities which are perfect for the holidays.
Taking a break from the standard holiday routines will help you through this transitional year. Should you be still combating the blues and can't seem to shake them, find some professional help. Sometimes moving to Atlanta has more of an impact than you want, and it can take more than a vacation and a shopping trip to help you feel better.
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