Christmas Day has come and gone, leaving you to survive that strange time of year also know as Twixmas. You know exactly what we mean. It’s that period where you don’t know what day of the week it is, you happily eat chocolate for breakfast and nobody bats an eyelid if you hit the Baileys before midday.
Don’t sit and suffer! Instead of working your way through endless box sets with one hand providing a constant stream of Quality Street, use this time to rest, pause and press the reset button.
While the build-up to Christmas is filled with fun and anticipation, it is easy to fall into the slow and cosy trappings of Twixmas. Pyjamas stay on later and later each day as we loll about in a self-indulgent stupor, picking at leftovers in the fridge and eating too much cheese.
2020 has been a tough year. We haven’t been able to enjoy the Christmas that we would have planned and we aren’t going to be welcoming the New Year, however much it promises, with our usual groups of friends or family.
We won’t judge you if you decide to stay in your PJs for 3 whole days watching everything you can on Netflix or Disney+. Not much is going on right now, after all.
Twixmas can also be the time that some describe as the worst part of the festive season. We are out of routine, not eating well, drinking too much and staying up late. It comes as no surprise that family conflicts and blazing rows hit peak levels in this limbo-land.
Triggers include the mess and clutter in the house, the journey home from visiting relatives, not helping around the house, criticism or even just worrying about the year ahead.
But let’s not dwell on the doom and gloom of Twixmas – 2020 has delivered enough of that already. Instead, make the most of Twixmas and see if something in our survival guide can get you through.
- Use up your leftovers. The fridge is groaning with some great items over Christmas. Be a little more adventurous, put down that turkey sandwich and see if you can rustle up something a little more exciting. A few eggs, a bit of cheese, ham, maybe sprouts and bacon, cream and yes, turkey, can all be used to make frittatas, soups or something a little more exotic if you ask Google or Alexa for some help.
- Get out the house. There will be some days where you don’t see much daylight, or even get outside. That’s fine. But do try and get outside. A stroll to get a paper, take the dog for a walk, or just a wander around the block will do you the world of good. Don’t underestimate the power of some fresh air and a change of scenery.
- Catch up on some good TV. With all the catch-up services, as well as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon and NowTV, there is some great tellybox watching to be had. Indulge in the Christmas specials, visit some old favourites or immerse yourself in some classics.
- Indulge in some self care. The run-up to Christmas is hectic and fraught. By Twixmas many of us are well and truly frazzled. Light some candles, run a bubble bath, grab a tipple and a good book and pamper yourself. We’ve some great tips in our bubble-bath and festive self care blogs if you need some inspo. Relax – you’ve earned it!
- Have a clear out. It can be tricky to find homes for the goodies you received as gifts, so take this time as an opportunity to have a bit of a tidy up. Clear out the clutter as you go. If you need some tidying tips, check out The Tidy Company on Instagram.
- Don’t work too hard. Depending on what you do, this period could be a quiet time at work, so don’t push yourself too hard. Finish off any tasks that have been left incomplete, clear your desk and get your 2021 diary ready. But leave work on time.
- Don’t feel guilty. Christmas was a great distraction – the shopping, wrapping, cooking and everything else has kept you busy and your mind occupied. During Twixmas, the nagging voices in your head will return, reminding you of all the thing you’ve neglected to do recently. Sod it. Go to bed with a Chocolate Orange, a bottle of wine and watch anything you can with Chris Hemsworth in it. That’s what I’m going to do, and I don’t feel bad about it at all!
However you decide to spend Twixmas, make the most of the last few days of the month and recharge your batteries. I wonder if Chris Hemsworth likes turkey sandwiches ….?
SJB
So Just Be 