Things to Do on the Weird Days Between Christmas and New Year’s

The days between Christmas and New Year’s can feel a little strange, can’t they? Christmas is over, but New Year’s celebrations are still on the horizon, leaving us in a kind of festive limbo. It’s a time when the tree’s still twinkling, the fridge is full of leftovers, and many of us are wondering what to do with ourselves. These odd in-between days can be a perfect opportunity to relax, reset, and enjoy some fun activities with family and friends.

Whether you’re looking to keep the festive spirit alive, get organised for the year ahead, or just have a bit of fun, here are some great ideas for making the most of the days between Christmas and New Year’s.

1. Host a Family Games Tournament

With everyone at home and possibly feeling a bit restless after Christmas, why not organise a family games tournament? Board games, card games, and even video games can bring everyone together for a bit of friendly competition. You could make it even more exciting by setting up a leaderboard and offering small prizes for the winners.

Some classic family favourites include Monopoly, Scrabble, or Cluedo, but if you have younger children, games like Snakes and Ladders or Ludo might be a better fit. If you’d rather do something more active, try a round of charades or Pictionary to get everyone moving and laughing.

This is a perfect way to keep the festive fun going while spending quality time together.

2. Have a Clear-Out and Organise the House

If you’re starting to feel like your home is getting cluttered with the remnants of Christmas – wrapping paper, extra gifts, and decorations everywhere – this is a great time to get organised. The days between Christmas and New Year’s are ideal for having a little post-holiday tidy-up. You don’t have to overhaul the whole house, but taking a few small steps can make you feel refreshed and ready for the new year.

Go through the gifts you’ve received and find homes for everything. If you’ve got children, help them organise their new toys or books, maybe even suggesting they donate older items to charity to make room for the new ones. The same goes for your wardrobe – if you’ve been gifted new clothes, it might be time to part with a few items you no longer wear.

This simple clear-out can help you enter the new year feeling organised and ready to start fresh.

3. Get Outdoors and Enjoy Winter Walks

After all the indulgence of Christmas, getting outside for some fresh air can be a fantastic way to recharge. Wrap up warm and head out for a winter walk, either through a local park, woodland, or even around your neighbourhood. The crisp winter air and a little exercise can work wonders for your energy levels and mood.

You could also turn your walk into a nature scavenger hunt for the kids, looking for wintery treasures like pinecones, holly, or different bird species. If you’re lucky enough to have snow, building a snowman or having a snowball fight is always a great way to get active and have fun outdoors.

If you live near the coast, a bracing beach walk can be incredibly refreshing at this time of year. It’s a great way to clear your head and reflect on the past year before diving into the new one.

4. Try Your Hand at Cooking New Recipes

If you’re tired of Christmas leftovers but not quite ready to give up on the festive food entirely, this is the perfect time to experiment with some new recipes. You can use up what’s left in your fridge in creative ways or try something entirely different that you didn’t get around to during Christmas.

Get the family involved in the kitchen and have fun making something new. You could bake a batch of winter biscuits, whip up a hearty soup, or create a festive-themed pizza. If you’ve got kids, making your own homemade hot chocolate or creating fun-shaped biscuits can be a fun way to spend the afternoon.

This is also a good time to start thinking about meal planning for the new year. If one of your goals for January is to eat a bit healthier, why not start experimenting with some nutritious recipes now?

5. Have a Movie Marathon

If the weather outside is a bit too cold and grey for your liking, it’s the perfect excuse to have a cosy movie marathon at home. Gather the family together, make a big bowl of popcorn, and snuggle up under some blankets for a day of films.

You could watch your favourite Christmas classics one more time, or choose a different theme. Whether it’s animated family favourites, adventure films, or a Harry Potter marathon, it’s a great way to relax and spend some quality time together. Don’t forget the hot chocolate and comfy pyjamas to make it extra cosy.

6. Create a Vision Board for the New Year

The days between Christmas and New Year’s are a great time to start thinking about what you want the year ahead to look like. Why not get creative and make a vision board? It’s a fun, hands-on activity that helps you visualise your goals and dreams for the new year.

Gather some old magazines, scissors, glue, and a big piece of paper or cardboard. Spend time cutting out images, words, and phrases that resonate with what you’d like to achieve in 2024. Whether it’s travelling, learning new skills, or focusing on health and happiness, creating a vision board can be an inspiring way to kick off the new year.

This activity is great for children as well, as it encourages them to think about their own aspirations for the year ahead, whether that’s learning a new hobby, making new friends, or achieving something at school.

7. Enjoy Some Quiet Time with Puzzles and Books

After the busy-ness of Christmas, the quieter days before New Year’s are the perfect time to relax with a good book or tackle a new puzzle. Whether it’s reading a book you’ve been gifted or doing a big family jigsaw puzzle, these calmer activities allow everyone to unwind and recharge.

If your children love a challenge, you could even set up a puzzle competition or see who can complete a Sudoku or crossword puzzle the fastest. These activities are perfect for slowing down after the Christmas rush and spending some quiet time together.

Conclusion

The days between Christmas and New Year’s don’t have to feel like an awkward pause in the festivities. They can be a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your family, reset after the holiday season, and prepare for the year ahead. Whether you’re organising the house, getting outdoors, or simply cosying up with a movie, there are plenty of ways to make these “in-between” days enjoyable and meaningful. So, embrace the downtime, and make the most of this unique time of year.