Christmas has come and gone.

The Christmas tree with all its trimmings, looking so festive and evoking such warm fuzzy feelings, is put away.

The holiday goodies - cookies and candies galore - eaten so casually without a care in the world now exact a price. Sweatpants are the go-to article of clothing, rather than something we lounge around in in the privacy of our own homes.

Our children return to school after a “long winter’s nap”. Assembling Legos, watching movies, baking cookies, sleeping and living in their PJs, gives way to more disciplined routines.

So, how do we gear up for a New Year, plug back into all aspects of reality, and wave good-bye to luxurious leisure? How do we shake off the complacent comforts of holiday celebrations and awaken a sense of urgency and excitement for the future?

I, for one, am a sentimental sap. To me, it seems like a real drag taking down the beauty of Christmas. The house feels hollow and empty of cheer for a while as I gaze at the vacant spot where the tree once stood. Friends and relatives go back to their homes and lives. The house is quiet without the constant noise and activity my boys provide. People get back to business and seem a little less charitable, a bit more self-centered.

What I’ve decided to employ this year, however, is a fresh perspective. I will look back only to give thanks for the memories, rather than getting stuck in nostalgia wishing there were a pause button.

I will remember that life is continuously on play, always moving forward.

I will try to look forward with great expectation to the New Year, excited for what God will do in me, through me and all around me, in my church, my family, my passions and pursuits.

In shifting my focus, Christmas can live on in my heart all year long.

Do you get a little down in the dumps when all the celebration of Christmas is over? Do you find it difficult to move forward with the same enthusiasm you felt while preparing for the holidays? If so, try to change your mindset. Understand that life itself is a gift worth celebrating every day of the year. Living in this way is a form of praise and worship to our Lord who paid the ultimate price for the ultimate gift – our salvation!

Heather Brostrom has been a Christian since she was a teenager. She has suffered with depression for all of her adult life and wonders if some day she will have a unique opportunity to share her story of hope and perseverance. She heartily believes that Jesus has been good to her, showing her that life can still be blessed even through adversity and trials. Read more articles by Heather.