If you’re feeling extra bummed this Monday, that’s normal. The first day back to work after the holidays is a reality slap – no more parties, presents or twinkling lights to ease the pain of winter. Plus, it doesn’t help that this week is going to be painfully cold.

All depressing words aside, the show must go on and there is plenty happening this week in Boston to help you bring in a lively 2015. Friends on Netflix can wait.

Monday

Women in Games Boston January Party – 7 to 10 p.m. – MeYouHealth – This panel discussion about work-life balance when working in gaming will bring together Boston’s Women in Games community for the first time in 2015. Free to attend.

Huge Beer Night with Dogfish Head – 7 to 10 p.m. – Olde Magoun’s Saloon – Cheers to a new year back at work with Pintley at their Huge Beer Night with Dogfish Head. The brewery will be pouring one 18 percent and two 10 percent ABV beers. Free to attend, pay as you drink.

Tuesday

Sips and Sweets for the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge – 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Sip Wine Bar and Kitchen – Drink wine flights and enjoy dessert pairings while supporting a great cause: the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Cancer Research through the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge. All proceeds from the event will go to the program.

Downtown Boston Rotary Club featuring Guest Speaker Galen Moore – 6 to 7:30 p.m. – Brandy Pete’s – Boston’s Downtown Rotary Club is holding its monthly meeting on Tuesday, and this month’s conversation will be led by Streetwise Media’s own Editor in Chief, Galen Moore. There will be socializing and mingling with likeminded professionals in Boston. 

Wednesday

Intro to the Boston Startup Community – 6:30 to 8 p.m. – General Assembly – Interested in getting to know Boston’s startup community? This free class is the perfect introduction for newcomers, led by ParkRightThere’s Sasha Hoffman.

Design Museum Boston Winter Celebration – 7 to 9:30 p.m. – Design Within Reach Studio – Celebrate a new year with Design Museum Boston, who will be hosting a winter party at Cambridge’s Design Within Reach studio. There will be networking, drinks provided by Bacardi, and music. Tickets start at $20.

Thursday

Boston Ramen Noodle Co. Slurp Happy Pop Up – 6 to 10 p.m. – Petit Robert Kenmore – Boston Ramen Noodle Co. is hosting a January pop up event, with a banquet-style ramen feast taking over Petit Robert in Kenmore Square. Seating is limited; RSVP online. Tickets are $45 per person.

Beersmart: Exploring Craft Beer – 6:30 to 8 p.m. – Craft Beer Cellar Belmont – Love craft beer and want to learn more? The Craft Beer Cellar is hosting its first “Beersmart” event this Thursday, during which an expert will explore the fundamentals of craft beer. Tickets are limited; there will be a follow up event on January 21.

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