How to beat the boxing day blues
Boxing Day refers to the 26th December, the day after Christmas. It was given its name because, historically, it was the day when the ‘Christmas box’ was shared with the poor.
The run-up to Christmas is an insanely busy time. There’s the tree to buy and decorate, the gifts to choose and the food to stock up on. So, understandably, you don’t really have time to give a moment’s thought to how you and the family will feel on Boxing Day. It can feel like a real anticlimax and it’s easy to spend the day wallowing and feeling somewhat grumpy and morose. The presents were probably ripped open in a nano second, you’ve stuffed your faces and are probably now suffering from extreme cases of indigestion (and heartburn if you are pregnant). The children will be exhausted and disappointed that Christmas is over for another year. This can lead to tantrums and bickering between siblings. Therefore, we’ve provided ten tips to help you to beat the boxing day blues and see the day in a new, happier light:
1) Save some pressies for your children to open on boxing day. This will give them something to look forward to and will hopefully allow them time to appreciate and play with what they have already opened.
2) If you have any leftover crackers/party hats, throw yourself a little boxing day party, with some Christmas music and a few friends. The festive season isn’t over yet!
3) Don’t just sit round doing nothing; keep busy! Gather the family round and play some board games (you're bound to get some as presents).
4) Go for a nice walk with your family in the park. Take a football or Frisbee with you if you’re feeling energetic. Either that or book a nice lunch in a country pub and walk off the Christmas excess.
5) Recreate your Christmas meal with any leftovers. Get the kids to help you make a huge vat of soup with all that turkey and roast potatoes. Maybe leave out the sprouts!
6) Go ice-skating. This is great fun and a fantastic way to hold on to that Christmassy feeling even if you spend the whole day on your bum whilst your kids laugh at you...
7) Since boxing day is traditionally meant to be a day of sharing with the poor, why don’t you have a sort out of your children’s old toys and books with your child? This will have a dual purpose; it will teach your children an important lesson about giving to those more needy than themselves and it will also make space for their new pressies.
8) It's time to breath a sigh of relief. No more presents to buy or wrap, last minute dashes into town or panics when all the Thomas the Tank engines have sold out. January may well be dreary, but the evenings will soon be getting brighter, the weather warmer and spring breaks away will be in your sights!
9) Although your children might not be old enough to write their own Thank-you cards, they can help you decorate with glitter, drawings and stickers.
10) You’ve probably had your fill of chocolates and other treats, which lead to that permanently full feeling in your stomach, so now’s the time to start thinking about those new year resolutions. See Boxing Day as something positive, not negative – the start of something new and exciting, rather than the end of the Christmas period. See our feature on a healthy diet for mums-to-be for a hint on how to eat a well-balanced meal. Also see our feature on postnatal fitness to spur you into action for 2008. Good luck and enjoy!
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.