Calm the chaos

Once the rush of Christmas Day has passed us by, the relaxed period between Christmas and New Years Eve – when life seems to slow down a little and we all take a collective deep breath – comes along to help recharge our batteries before we welcome in the new year.

It’s a strange few days, all the presents have been opened and we’ve eaten all the chocolate! So what to do? It’s easy to let the time slip away without making the most of your time off. We’ve looked at some of our favourite winter activities to enjoy with your free time. It’s not all go, sometimes curling up under a blanket is the most enjoyable and well earned choice after a busy year. It’s also a chance to get some air, appreciate the countryside or tackle that jigsaw you were gifted. Be sure to take time to slow down, gather your thoughts and relax in whatever way suits you best.

Christmas lights

If you’ve missed them so far, here are a few of the best places to see the lights in Dublin City Centre. Powerscourt Centre, Grafton Street, Trinity College, Stephen’s Green and The Customs House. 

Pamper yourself

During the rush of the normal 9-5, it can be hard to find time to enjoy some you-time. So take this opportunity to enjoy a little self-care. Plan yourself a home spa day, order some face masks, light some candles, have a long soak in a bubble filled bath. You’ll feel amazing afterwards.
 

Movie marathon

Sometimes we just need to switch off our brains and lose ourselves in the story. Prepare your favourite snacks, dim the lights, cover yourself with blanket and enjoy! If you are more of a bookworm you can do the same with some gentle music in background. The point is to switch off and relax in the stories you enjoy.

A winter wander

It’s the time of year known for indulging and whether you have overdone it with the Roses or have been on the couch for the last 48 hours, stick your big coat on, grab your dog and go for a walk. The fresh air will do you good and you could end up discovering a new favourite place. Our top 3 spots are Ticknock Forest, The Hellfire Club and Killiney Hill.

Use up your leftovers

We don’t mean sit and eat scores of turkey sandwiches! Use this time to hone your cooking skills and use the Christmas dinner surplus to try something new. You might find a new favourite for the year ahead.

Dundrum on Ice

During the festive season, several ice rinks pop up around Dublin. Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or you want to get competitive with some friends, this is an excellent option. Grab a Yuko and make your way to Swords or Blanchardstown on Ice or hop on the Luas to Dundrum on Ice.

Daydream Believer

We often restrict ourselves from daydreaming, so take some time and think of your hidden desires in life. What does your dream life look like? How does your ideal day pan out? What job do you have? Once you record some ideas on paper, sit back and try to picture them happening, what feelings come up? Take it all in and allow yourself to be as creative and bold in your desires as when you were a child. It’s rare we get the time for such simple pleasures.

As always, we love to see your adventures. Share with us on social media @livewithhali.

Calm the chaos

Once the rush of Christmas Day has passed us by, the relaxed period between Christmas and New Years Eve – when life seems to slow down a little and we all take a collective deep breath – comes along to help recharge our batteries before we welcome in the new year.

It’s a strange few days, all the presents have been opened and we’ve eaten all the chocolate! So what to do? It’s easy to let the time slip away without making the most of your time off. We’ve looked at some of our favourite winter activities to enjoy with your free time. It’s not all go, sometimes curling up under a blanket is the most enjoyable and well earned choice after a busy year. It’s also a chance to get some air, appreciate the countryside or tackle that jigsaw you were gifted. Be sure to take time to slow down, gather your thoughts and relax in whatever way suits you best.

Christmas lights

If you’ve missed them so far, here are a few of the best places to see the lights in Dublin City Centre. Powerscourt Centre, Grafton Street, Trinity College, Stephen’s Green and The Customs House. 

Pamper yourself

During the rush of the normal 9-5, it can be hard to find time to enjoy some you-time. So take this opportunity to enjoy a little self-care. Plan yourself a home spa day, order some face masks, light some candles, have a long soak in a bubble filled bath. You’ll feel amazing afterwards.

Movie marathon

Sometimes we just need to switch off our brains and lose ourselves in the story. Prepare your favourite snacks, dim the lights, cover yourself with blanket and enjoy! If you are more of a bookworm you can do the same with some gentle music in background. The point is to switch off and relax in the stories you enjoy.

A winter wander

It’s the time of year known for indulging and whether you have overdone it with the Roses or have been on the couch for the last 48 hours, stick your big coat on, grab your dog and go for a walk. The fresh air will do you good and you could end up discovering a new favourite place. Our top 3 spots are Ticknock Forest, The Hellfire Club and Killiney Hill.

Use up your leftovers

We don’t mean sit and eat scores of turkey sandwiches! Use this time to hone your cooking skills and use the Christmas dinner surplus to try something new. You might find a new favourite for the year ahead.

Dundrum on Ice

During the festive season, several ice rinks pop up around Dublin. Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or you want to get competitive with some friends, this is an excellent option. Grab a Yuko and make your way to Swords or Blanchardstown on Ice or hop on the Luas to Dundrum on Ice.

Daydream Believer

We often restrict ourselves from daydreaming, so take some time and think of your hidden desires in life. What does your dream life look like? How does your ideal day pan out? What job do you have? Once you record some ideas on paper, sit back and try to picture them happening, what feelings come up? Take it all in and allow yourself to be as creative and bold in your desires as when you were a child. It’s rare we get the time for such simple pleasures.

As always, we love to see your adventures. Share with us on social media @livewithhali.