It’s an awkward time of year. The summer sun is at its peak, you’re on holidays with minimal commitments, and yet we’re all somehow stuck in this middle ground of emotions – on top of the world one minute and directionless the next.

What’s worse is that there’s no particular word for this week, only adding to the grogginess that is PTCD (Post Traumatic Christmas Disorder). (I totally just made that up, but stay with me.)

Here are seven feels we all go through in the week between Christmas and New Years that are so relatable it actually hurts.

#1 Boxing Day Sales Madness

The day after Christmas when people drag their partners to the shopping centre, the elderly catch up for their annual coffee, and swarms of children throw a tantrum next to the clothes rack because they’ve had enough and want to go home.

Then there’s the rest of us. Those who say they’re “just looking” and “not going to buy anything”, but end up giving into the pressure of convincing (read: pushy) retail workers and a bright floral shirt calling their name. Did I mention it was 30 per cent off?

Someone, please just get me out of hereee (preferably before I spend all my hard earned money).

#2 No One Knows What Day It Is

After a storm, comes a rainbow. Ahh, what bliss. You know the feeling. The one you get after you’ve had an afternoon nap that went a bit longer than expected and you wake up in a stupor not knowing whether or not you’ve just left planet earth. No, just me?

Well until New Years roles around and we actually have to make a decent effort of ourselves, this is the week where time means nothing, each day blends into the next, and we can carry on without a care in the world. The best part? We don’t have to feel bad about it. Not one bit.

#3 What Even Is Work?

No alarm clock screaming at us to get out of bed, no emails to attend to, no meetings, no having to deal with colleagues that may or may not get on our nerves. What a time to be alive.

Out of sight out of mind out of mind I say.

#4 Food Coma

After days of drinking wine and eating leftovers, you begin to resemble the body of a woman who’s seven months pregnant. But hey, that’s what the holidays are for right?

We may feel a tinge of guilt after our week of indulgence, but right now it’s all about treating yourself to some good times, great food and the best people.

#5 Is The Tree Meant To Come Down Yet?

I don’t know about you, but each year I’m always scratching my head as to when we’re supposed to take the tree down. I mean, it’s definitely past Christmas, but not quite New Year and I’m suddenly trapped in this vicious cycle of wanting to keep it up just one more day while Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas’ plays on repeat in the background. Trust me, it’s a daily struggle.

But just a little FYI, you’re meant to take it down by the 6th of January each year i.e. 12 days after Christmas. Or else it could be bad luck.

#6 Reminiscing On The Year That Was

The good, the bad, and the ugly. Each year brings with it a little sprinkle from each category, although some more than others. This week, you will be seeing a plethora of posts on social media about individual triumphs and achievements, new babies that have been born, relationships formed, etc. You name it, people will be talking about it.

After a bit of persuading, you embrace it for what it is and join in on the trip down memory lane.

#7 Next Year Will Be Different

Finally, you convince yourself that “next year is going to be my year” by making a list of New Year’s resolutions that you will most definitely stick to. But we all know how that ends…

Happy New Year everyone!

(Lead image: Elf/Warner Bros)