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From Holiday High to School Routine: Overcoming the Post-Holiday Blues
From Holiday High to School Routine: Overcoming the Post-Holiday Blues
Morning alarms are ringing, lunchboxes need packing, and the holiday glow is starting to dim. If your household atmosphere feels a little low right now, you’re not alone. The transition from vacation to school responsibilities may hit harder than expected. The good news? This phase will pass, but here are easy and practical ways to get through it as a family.
Key Takeaways
- The post-holiday blues affect both children and parents, making the return to routine feel overwhelming.
- Small adjustments work better than sudden changes when you’re trying to get over the holiday blues.
- Shared activities help families reconnect after the stress of restarting schedules.
- Playing is not just for children; parents need it too when overcoming holiday blues.
- Food and festive moments keep celebratory energy alive during tough transitions.
What are Post-Holiday Blues, Exactly?
Psychologists describe the post-holiday blues as a temporary period of low mood, fatigue, or stress that can surface after high-energy celebrations end.1 The contrast seems sharp when dopamine and serotonin levels drop after the excitement of vacation fades.
According to research from the American Psychological Association, holiday-related stress affects a significant portion of adults, with 41% reporting increased anxiety during seasonal transitions.2 Children often feel less motivated, tired, or emotional, whereas parents feel stretched by schedules and pressured to snap everyone back into productivity.
Take It Slow: Resetting Post-Holiday Blues Without Pressure
Going full "school mode" overnight can backfire. Small adjustments work better for everyone, such as:
- Starting with earlier bedtimes, moving them forward by 15 minutes every few nights.
- Creating calm mornings by preparing bags and outfits the night before.
- Keeping one or two familiar holiday rituals alive, like weekend morning pancakes or evening story time.
Seeing their parents also adjusting can help children feel less alone in the struggle. Avoid filling every minute with activities and allow everyone to rest without guilt. It’s about moving forward steadily rather than bouncing back immediately.
Give Yourself Something to Look Forward to After the Holiday
Solely focusing on school can cause post-holiday blues to feel even heavier. Ease this transition by instilling moments of joy and connection:
- Make shared plans or suggest a weekend activity that everyone can look forward to.
- Set up simple rewards, like Friday movie nights or a special treat after the week’s homework is done.
- Spend intentional time together after school, even if it’s just 20 minutes of chatting over snacks.
Looking ahead is key to getting over holiday blues. When children anticipate something, the week feels less like a grind. But be careful not to overschedule.
Parents can model this mindset, too. Talk about your own plans with genuine excitement and show that fun continues once school starts, just a little differently. This teaches children that transitions are not endings but shifts in rhythm.
Why Play Matters for Everyone: A “Mala” Good Time at Wild Wild Wet
Think playtime is just for children? Parents need it too! Shared experiences help families laugh, reset emotionally, and de-stress. According to mental health experts, play acts as a buffer against anxiety and rebuilds energy during tough transitions3.
If you’re looking for activities to lift those post-holiday blues, head over to Wild Wild Wet and immerse yourself in our mala-themed programming, happening from now till 2 March 2026.
- Shiok River transforms into a hotpot, filled with shrimp floats, lotus root ring inflatables, crabstick loungers, and more.
- Located in front of the Wild Wild Wet entrance, jump into a fiery-toned ball pit inspired by dry mala flavours.
- Explore the water park for life-sized food photo ops. Families can pose together, creating memories that feel fresh and different.
- The first 50 guests daily will receive mala-themed stickers featuring Flumi, Wild Wild Wet's adorable mascot.
These surprises add a touch of delight to an ordinary visit. Get your day passes here!
How Food Helps Ease Post-Holiday Blues
Food can be a powerful source of comfort during times of change. Sitting down to a meal lets everyone unwind – children share stories from school, while parents reconnect after long hours at work.
Downtown East offers mala dining options that complement the playful spirit at Wild Wild Wet, including:
- Gong Yuan Ma La Tang: Customisable Mala Tang from $3.28 per 100g.
Location: E!Avenue #02-324
- Jian Bo Tiong Bahru Shui Kueh: Puts a spicy twist on tradition with Mala Shui Kueh at $4.50 for five pieces.
Location: E!Hub #02-112
- A Kitchen: Serves Mala Crawfish for $38.
Location: E!Hub #02-125
For heartier alternatives, you can explore:
- Jyu Yae Live Music & Bar Restaurant: Features Mala Royal Alaskan King Crab Meat Fried Rice at $16.90.
Location: E!Avenue #01-301
- Labula: Relish Mala Grilled Fish at $36.80.
Location: E!Avenue #01-310
- Swensen's: Adds familiar comfort with Mala Seafood Linguine and Mala Firecracker Chicken Pasta, both at $15.90.
Location: E!Hub #02-121 / 122
- Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodles: Adds familiar comfort with Mala Seafood Linguine and Mala Firecracker Chicken Pasta, both at $15.90.
Location: E!Avenue #02-322
Beyond filling bellies, families actively discover how to overcome the holiday blues without realising it.
Overcoming Holiday Blues, Together
Beating the post-holiday blues is not about forcing happiness or feigning normalcy. Instead, move through the transition with patience, acknowledge feelings and respond as a team.
A visit to Wild Wild Wet turns back-to-school into something everyone looks forward to. Plus, with our Summer Wave Splash deal, families can enjoy the mala festivities at special rates! For those wanting more than a day trip, D'Resort offers packages that blend relaxation with adventure.
Such experiences reinvigorate and inspire. Children remember the laughter, and not the homework. Parents remember the connection, not the stress. Families learn that overcoming the holiday blues is all about showing up for each other.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long do holiday blues last?
Research from the British Psychological Society found that while holiday blues can last up to 21 days, the initial return to routine remains the hardest part4. Recognising signs and acceptance enable families to prevail in unity.
2. How to Overcome Holiday Blues?
To overcome holiday blues, ease back into routine, stay socially connected, set small goals, get sunlight and exercise, practise self-care, and plan something enjoyable to look forward to, such as visiting Wild Wild Wet and participating in the mala themed activities.
3. Are the mala activities at Wild Wild Wet Suitable for all ages?
Yes, the ingredient floats, ball pits, and photo opportunities cater to toddlers, children, teens, and adults. The Shiok River's gentle current makes it accessible for younger children with supervision.
The Dry Mala Ball Pit by the Tsunami pool provides safe play for all ages. Life-sized ingredient photo spots work for families, couples, and groups. The programming focuses on fun and creativity, making it inclusive for everyone.
4. Can a weekend at D'Resort work for families with schoolwork?
Absolutely. D'Resort delivers a calm environment that combines relaxation and productivity. Families can use quiet mornings for light reading or homework review before spending afternoons at attractions. The change of scenery refreshes the mind. Many parents find that a short staycation gives children mental space to reset, which improves focus when returning to regular schedules.
5. How do I qualify for the festive scratch cards at Downtown East?
Any purchase at Downtown East during the promotional period of 17 Feb to 3 Mar 2026 qualifies you for a scratch card. There is no minimum spend requirement. Redeem one scratch card* per day at E!Avenue Level 2 Information Counter, and scratch to reveal your prize. Prizes include Mercedes-Benz drive experiences, NTUC Club vouchers, and a reunion meal at participating stores.
References
1. Americans are More Anxious than Last Year About the Upcoming Holidays; Health Care and the Economy. (2025). Psychiatry.org. https://www.psychiatry.org/News-room/News-Releases/Americans-More-Anxious-About-the-Holidays
2. Combating the Holiday Blues. (2024). Tamu.edu. https://artsci.tamu.edu/news/2025/12/combating-the-holiday-blues.html
3. Staff, N. A. (2025, August). How to Help Kids Beat the Post-Vacation Blues. Newport Academy. https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/well-being/how-to-help-kids-beat-the-post-vacation-blues/
4. Reynolds, E. (2025, March 17). Holiday benefits last longer than we thought. BPS; The British Psychological Society. https://www.bps.org.uk/research-digest/holiday-benefits-last-longer-we-thought