In amongst all the preparations for Christmas, spare a thought for “Twixtmas”.
Twixtmas – or Twixmas – is the period between Christmas and New Year. The word derives from the old English word “betwixt” which means between.
And Twixtmas can really feel like an in between time in all kinds of ways. The immediate excitement of Christmas has passed, and with it there can sometimes be a feeling of anticlimax. With all the preparation and rushing around that focuses on just one day, things can feel a little empty once that day is over. And yet there is still New Year to come. So everything is in limbo until normality can resume once again.
The Norwegians have a different approach. They actively celebrate these few days, and call them Romjul. Romjul begins on 27th December and ends on New Year’s Eve, 31st December. Romjul can be literally translated as “Christmas space”, and the main purpose of Romjul is to rest and relax between the festivities of Christmas and New Year.
Many people have time off between Christmas and New Year, and certainly the kids will be home from school. So it’s good to make the most of it before getting back to reality again in January.
As Romjul lasts for five days, here are five ideas for things to do between Christmas and New Year to ensure that you and your family have a merry little Twixtmas:
One of the most important priorities for Twixtmas is to make opportunities to rest and relax. So for at least one of the five days, build in time for pyjamas and movies. Enjoy long lazy days when the most energetic thing you have to do is to get to the sofa and snuggle down with a blanket. Then choose some of your favourite movies – either the latest predictable Hallmark Christmas movies or ever popular classics – lie back and enjoy.
And if you need a bit of variety later in the day, why not dig out the board games and flex your mental muscles before a well-deserved trip back to the sofa?!
If you have hosted Christmas Day you are more than likely to have an odd assortment of leftovers. But don’t let these go to waste. Rather than doing something predictable with them, it’s time to get creative!
You could even run a family Masterchef competition to see who comes up with the most creative combination. You never know, you may stumble across something that becomes a family favourite for years to come.
And if you need a bit of help and inspiration, there are many websites that can give you ideas on how to use Christmas leftovers in wonderful ways, for example Love Food Hate Waste.
Whilst it’s great to hunker down at home over Twixtmas – particularly if the weather is gloomy – it’s probably a good idea to get out into the fresh air at some stage. The easiest thing to do is just to head out for a bracing winter walk. It doesn’t really matter where you go : perhaps into the country, your nearest beach or your local park. Or you might want to take the opportunity to visit a local site of historic interest or go and explore your nearest large town or city.
The main aim is to breathe in the air and spend time with those you love. Walking is also a great opportunity for people to talk more openly in a safe and easy environment. For example, how has the last year really been for them? What are the things currently on their mind? And what are their hopes and dreams for the coming year? So see what you can find out about your nearest and dearest, and be ready to share something about yourself too.
And why not extend your walk by taking along a few provisions for a bit of a picnic en route. Or if the weather is just not right, then build in a pit stop in a pub or cafe along the way.
Go on, you know you want to! If there was something festive you would have liked to do in the run up to Christmas but simply got timed out, now is the time to do it. Many Christmas events still run during Twixtmas. For example:
So it’s well worth Googling what is available within easy reach of you and then enjoying a final Christmas fling before New Year is upon us.
Christmas is a busy time for many people, and it may be that there are friends that you would really like to see but you have not been able to make it happen. Twixtmas is an ideal time to do that.
If you or your friends have been away visiting family, there may well be a day when you’re all back home again and can get together. It doesn’t really matter what you do, and certainly doesn’t have to be anything that requires any stress or mega-preparation for anyone. In fact, most of the above ideas would also work with friends in tow as well.
There may also be friends who don’t live near you that you may be able to arrange a visit to over Twixtmas. After all, you have five days at your disposal so maybe a little trip away for a couple of days might work. Otherwise, definitely make time for a video call. You could even arrange an online party with drinks, nibbles and perhaps even a quiz.
Twixtmas is a great opportunity to have some fun with friends near and far rather than let more time drift by before you do so.
We hope that you and your family have a wonderful Twixtmas and that it gives you the much-needed opportunity to reflect back on 2024 and look ahead to 2025.
And why not make it one of your New Year resolutions to visit us here regularly for more lifestyle and financial tips from new direct lenders Munzee Loans.
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