Between the frantic festivities of Christmas and the popping of champagne corks for New Year, there’s a calmer interlude often known as ‘Twixtmas. The lull that follows Christmas and Boxing Day is a rather special time, offering the opportunity to spend time at home, the pantry still full of delicious festive fare and children calmer, busy enjoying their shiny new toys.
Traditionally it was a time for hibernation, for slumping on the sofa, finishing off the After Eights and watching The Sound of Music for the fourteenth time, but research suggests that these days people are more inclined to engage in more purposeful activity, shaking off the sluggish shroud of hangovers, released from the pressures of entertaining and finally free to enjoy some precious ‘me’ time. From thrilling wild swims in ice-cold lakes to joining a communal craft activity such as a crochet-along or enjoying a peaceful day of birdwatching, there are no rules – these quiet days of ‘Twixtmas offer a rare opportunity to follow your heart.
When life slows naturally to a slower tempo, especially after such a challenging year, it’s a time to be savoured. When the New Year dawns, the school run and work deadlines will absorb your time and attention soon enough. Avoid making too many plans – be spontaneous and do what feels right in the moment. Put away your laptop; take pleasure in pottering, doing small but satisfying tasks; prepare nourishing food and enjoy gentle exercise such as yoga.
Beth Kempton, author of Calm Christmas, a beautiful book inspired by the dream of creating a plan for a calmer, more mindful festive season, agrees. ‘If we keep the activity and volume levels high all the way to New year, hosting a houseful of guests without a break, hunting out bargains in packed department stores or rushing back to work too soon, we miss a vital but rare opportunity to reflect and learn, honour and grieve, rest and recuperate.
‘So let’s meander for a while, giving our minds and hearts a chance to assimilate and process all that’s happened over the past twelve months. This is a wonderful time to nurture your own energy, marvel at nature and recharge.
Beth’s five favourite ways to spend the days of ‘Twixtmas:
1. A day in nature
A restorative, refreshing day in nature can work wonders in terms of brushing away the cobwebs and brightening your spirit. There is a particular stillness at the end of December – a stripped back beauty that may seem bleak but actually conceals the first stirrings of new life. It can be deeply comforting to contemplate the circle of life and gain an understanding of the value of this pause for nurturing fresh growth in the spring.
2. A digital detox day
Switching off your phone for twenty-four hours (or longer) can transform your state of mind. Try switching off from emails, social media and even phone calls, podcasts and music, and notice the difference when you spend the time being really present instead, paying attention to real-life conversations and using all your senses as you move through the day.
3. A dreaming day
Visit a favourite café, journal in hand, for a day of dreaming. Dream alone, or with whoever shares your life. Let your mind run free on the page or have long juicy conversations about what you love about your life right now… and what you’d like to change. This will set you up to take a step closer to achieving your dreams next year.
4. A creative day
Set aside a day for something creative: painting, crafting, poetry, journaling, making music, calligraphy, cooking. Or you could sketch out a new garden design, draft a book proposal or create a vision board. Try anything that allows you to use your creativity to access the quiet place that lies beyond your noisy mind.
5. A sort-out-your-life-and-house day
Clearing the decks of all those annoying little jobs that you usually put off – filing paperwork, checking your direct debits and standing orders, paying outstanding bills and writing thank you cards – allows you to focus on more important and enjoyable matters as you enter the New Year. The same applies for niggling jobs around the house – decluttering cupboards, flipping mattresses, checking smoke alarms, cleaning the fridge. It will feel so good to start the New Year with a tidy desk and home.
Calm Christmas and a Happy New Year by Beth Kempton (Little Brown, £12.99) is available to buy at https://uk.bookshop.org and all good book retailers.
Find out more about Beth’s life-changing courses at www.dowhatyouloveforlife.com