The Christmas rush is through. The stockings are being taken down and the trees are being dumped into the nearest pond. So where does that leave us?

For many, it leaves them in a return line, taking back the gifts that were chosen especially for them.

This year our family made a few changes in the gift area. Many decided not to do gifts for the adults and just focus on the children. This works out great for the kids and keeps the pennies pinched for the rest of year.

Our girls had so many gifts that there are literally six gifts from Santa still unwrapped in our living room floor. They couldn’t even get the energy together to open any more happiness.

But when the tinsel is gone and the Hallmark movies are over, where does that leave you and your family?

Do you still have some type of cheer to keep you going? We’re not talking about the cheer in the wine cabinet either. We’re talking about something that lasts longer than the month of December. It is so very important to have a good support base to surround yourself with. Whether it be friends or family, you need people who will be there for you no matter what ups and downs life may hand you.

Even in our office here at the North Jefferson News, we are a good support system. We all talk about our weekends and give advice and take advice as needed. It’s so great to be surrounded by people who really care about you and your well being.

If you don’t give yourself anything else this year, give yourself the gift of a good support base. Surround yourself with people that you care for and that care for you.

If you make New Year’s resolutions, then make it a point to select a group of people who will be there for you. And in return, be there for them. When things go wrong and your world is turned upside down, friends and family are the only people who will be there for you, so just remember to be there for them when they need you most.

The holiday season is still upon us as we go into the new year with great anticipation and expectations.

Take the opportunity with the new year to help make yourself a better person. Start with the support group and then add as you see fit.