Start a new Boxing Day celebration for friends and family

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This article was published 24/12/2015 (3668 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: Boxing Day is a big letdown for me every year. I hear my dearly departed mother saying, “There’s nothing as over as Christmas.” Do you have any suggestions for people like me who get really built up about the holiday and then don’t know what to do on Dec 26 when it’s all over? Going shopping at the Boxing Day sales is not an option. I have spent all my money by then!

— Is It Really Over? St. James

Dear Is It Really Over: The holiday festivities don’t have to be over, but Dec 26 needs to be more relaxing for most people. Boxing Day is a great time for a games afternoon, such as playing cards or having a board-games tournament. You can invite the neighbours over to play, and everybody can bring food and drinks left over from Christmas. Those that don’t like games as much can chat and unwind and share the goodies around the table.

And here’s a real opportunity: relatives who go to their own immediate-family parties on Dec 24 and 25 can be invited to your “Time To Exhale” day. Who knows? It may become a custom, a nice way to gently slide down the hill from the intensity of Christmas. If the weather is good, it’s a great day for winter sports such as tobogganing, snowshoeing, snowboarding and skiing — or just to go for a walk together in the beautiful snow.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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