7 joy-filled things every Boxing Day should include
From turkey to telly, make sure your festive period features lots of these enjoyable activities.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.While Christmas Day can be chock-full of gift-giving, church-going and feasting with family, Boxing Day is usually a less hectic affair, giving everyone a chance to rest and digest after the excesses of December 25.
Marking the start of Twixtmas – that lazy limbo period in between Christmas and New Year – it’s a time for wholesome activities, festive treats and cocooning in your PJs.
Here are seven mood-boosting ideas to bring joy to your Boxing Day…
1. Wintry walk
Clear away the cobwebs by pulling on your winter warmers and venturing out for a bracing walk in the countryside, on a beach or in your local park.
If you’re feeling really brave, you could reap the benefits of cold water therapy with a quick Boxing Day dip – just make sure you’ve got suitable clothing to get warmed up after.
2. Turkey leftovers
With Christmas Dinner done and dusted, it’s time to start tucking into those tasty leftovers.
Whip up a warming turkey curry or soup, or build the ultimate festive sandwich with slices of turkey and all the trimmings.
3. Catching up with loved ones
Whether virtually or in person, Boxing Day is a great time to catch up with friends and family near and far.
Invite the neighbours to tag along for your wintry walk, plan a video call with relatives, or phone your BFF for a good old chinwag.
4. Games
While away the afternoon with a bit of friendly competition in the form of classic board games – you can’t go wrong with Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit or Scrabble – or the kids’ favourite computer games.
If you’ve been loving The Traitors on BBC One and you’ve got at least seven people to play with, why not have a go at the parlour game version, called Werewolf, where players designated as werewolves have to try and ‘kill’ all the villagers without being found out. Find a full explanation of the rules on WikiHow.
5. Cheese
If you stocked up on speciality cheese and posh biccies then found yourself far too stuffed on Christmas Day to manage a morsel, now’s your chance to assemble – then demolish – an epic cheese board.
6. Taking stock
If you’re feeling reflective as the year draws to a close, why not take some time to consider all the things you’re grateful for in 2022, or look ahead to what you want to achieve next year.
You might want to write a gratitude list in your journal, reaching out to people who have played and important role in your life recently to say thank you.
7. Festive films
Round off the evening by curling up on the sofa with your favourite yuletide tipple and indulging in a feelgood film.
Maybe you want to watch Home Alone for the umpteenth time, or perhaps you want to check out one of the latest Christmas romcoms on Netflix – festive telly is all about nostalgia and guilty pleasures.