Resetting After the Holidays - Together
After a month of holiday food, late nights, and a break from normal routines, getting back to everyday life can feel rough. Many of us imagine starting the new year energized and focused, but instead we feel tired, irritable, and a little off. When that happens, it often shows up in our marriages—short patience, more tension, or slipping into habits we’re not proud of. That’s not the tone most of us want for a new year.
The good news is that this slump doesn’t have to define how you start the year. With a little intention, you can reset together and move forward in a healthier direction. Here are four simple, more personal ways to do that.
1. Bring the joy forward instead of leaving it behind.
When the holidays end, it’s easy to slip back into survival mode and let life feel dull. But your marriage doesn’t have to lose its spark just because the decorations come down. Look for small ways to keep joy alive—planning time together, doing something thoughtful for your spouse, or finding reasons to celebrate even on an ordinary weeknight. We so often put a lot of effort into making special moments for others; your marriage is worth that same attention all year long.
2. Choose something you’re excited to work toward together.
There’s something powerful about chasing a goal with someone else. Take time to talk about what you both want in the year ahead—whether that’s growing closer, creating healthier rhythms, or building a stronger family life. Having a shared focus reminds you that you’re partners, not opponents. When challenges come, that shared vision can pull you back together and keep you moving in the same direction. What’s one goal you and your spouse can get excited about chasing in 2026?
3. Don’t ignore your body—it affects your marriage more than you think.
When we’re exhausted, overindulged, and out of rhythm, our patience and kindness suffer. Taking care of your physical health doesn’t have to be extreme, but simple choices—getting enough sleep, moving your body, or easing back into healthy routines—can make a big difference. When you feel better physically, you’re more present emotionally, and that benefits your marriage in real, practical ways.
4. Set yourselves up now for a smoother season ahead.
Think about the changes you want to make and take a few steps now to make them easier later. Maybe that means planning meals, scheduling date nights, or talking through how you’ll handle responsibilities once life speeds up again. These small, proactive choices may not feel exciting in the moment, but you’ll be thankful for them when things get busy. A little effort now can reduce stress and create more space for connection.
If you find the transition after the holidays hard, you’re not failing—you’re human! But being intentional right now can change the trajectory of your year. Instead of drifting into old patterns, you can step forward with purpose, strengthening your marriage and setting a healthier rhythm for everything that comes next.