Apart from the scrum for the January sales of course, nothing very exciting happens in January. It's a month for reflection, financial belt tightening (whilst loosening those jeans a notch!) and maybe even regretting all of your Christmas indulgences.

If you've got a dose of the post yuletide blues then don't worry, because at gurgle were here to help! Here is a list of reasons not to feel bad about your Christmas excesses. Because, really, it’s ok!

Regret 1. You shouldn't have spent so much money on the kids
Why is it ok? As the weather takes another turn for the worse, you have to put off taking the kids to the park. Again. Family days out to the funfair, farm, and local adventure playground also drop in frequency during the winter months. What are your children to do? Take out their excess energy playing with their new toys of course! You didn't really overindulge them this Christmas. You just cleverly pre-empted the January boredom you knew was just around the corner...

Regret 2. You ate so many Quality Streets that you can’t fasten your jeans
Why is it ok? It's a well known mantra that weight takes as long to lose as it takes to put on. That's why new mums shouldn't worry if it takes them 10 months (or more!) to shed their baby weight. But the good news for you is that if you gained an extra pound of two over the Christmas fortnight, you can lose it by the end of January. Make dropping those festive pounds a new year’s resolution and you'll have one of your targets ticked off that list in no time!

Regret 3. It's twelfth night and you haven't taken down your Christmas tree
Why is it ok? In this situation you have two solutions: insist your other half helps you take it down this weekend, or leave it up for next year. At least it will save you a job come December!

Regret 4. You had a blazing row with your mother in law over Christmas
Why is it ok? They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. And as it will be July before the mother in law from hell decides to knock on your front door again, you might decide you like each other before you have to see her again. Or at the very least have both forgotten why you fell out in the first place!

Regret 5. You shouldn't have taken so much time off from work
Why is it ok? Yes, Sandra from accounts is still very irritating. And you just can't stand your boss. But wasn't it lovely having two weeks without thinking of either of them? Taking a break might mean you have more to do when you go back to the office, but it also makes you feel refreshed and ready to face the year ahead. And who can really regret spending two lovely weeks with their kids, anyway?

Last Modified: 06/01/2012