Like many parents who got a bit overexcited this Christmas, the end of January couldn’t come any sooner. Honestly, I think it takes me about a month to get back into a normal routine after Christmas, so much so I’m thinking of designating February as the real start of New Year in 2013.

There are a few reasons for this. First and foremost, the overhang from Christmas is not just financial, it’s also psychological. It’s very easy to become seduced by the range of cut price toys still lining shop shelves as retailers struggle with their own festive overhang.

I’m not just talking about me either. Like so many toddlers, Jack has only just stopped believing that every week will be like Christmas and until recently still expected us to put on party hats at dinner, spend all day in our pyjamas and take a break during breakfast to unwrap some presents.

Secondly, my Christmas appetite has not abated at quite the rate I would have hoped. Neither has Jack’s. I wouldn’t say we’re eating an unhealthy amount, rather that we’re being a little excessive. Although, this is probably a consequence of our natural need to take on more energy during these colder winter months. Either way, it amounts to the same thing. We’re eating, and buying more, food.

Thirdly, our pre-Christmas financial sacrifices are already coming back to haunt us. For example, I really wish I’d spent a little less on wine during the holidays and prudently invested in some new shirts for work. Some mornings, when I’m particularly tired, I look at Jack’s unused scooter and have to stop myself wishing it was a new pair of shoes.

Okay. I’ll concede that last bit was somewhat of an exaggeration, but the point still stands. January has been the most challenging month I’ve had in a long while. But then isn’t it the same for everybody?

That’s why, on our latest trip to Morrison’s, I almost clipped my heels when I spotted they are running Baby & Toddler Time savings promotion for the next couple of weeks. A few bargains there should make easing ourselves into February that little bit easier. Now all I need to do is find somewhere with a sale on work shirts and I’m well on my way!