Tips on how to tackle Boxing Day like a professional

Boxing Day is the best day of the year for practising the art of snuggling. Unless you are having to do the rounds of the relatives you didn’t see on Christmas Day, in which case just grit your teeth for round two. If you are not working and are lucky enough to have no other obligations, feel free to utilise the following guide to post-festive snuggling:

Wear something comfy, ideally with some kind of stretchy waist after the excesses of the day before. Do not be tempted to keep on the sparkly mini dress/ Rudolph jumper you had on yesterday if you are unfortunate enough to wake up still wearing it today;

Make good use of any perfume or toiletries you may have received for Christmas to shower off that lingering smell of roasting meat and veg;

Stake your place near to the television early on. Mark this space with any presents you feel you need to investigate further so no-one takes your place while you move between the sofa and fridge;

Make a nest of the comfiest cushions and cover yourself with a snuggly blanket, however reliable your home heating may be;

When anyone asks you to cook anything, point them in the direction of a) leftovers b) festive chocolates c) cheese;

Keep the TV remote control within reach so you are able to watch anything that will make you feel emotional. Please note: if you have had a very merry Christmas, everything – including adverts – will make you feel emotional on Boxing Day;

While having a gentle weep, it is a good idea to selfmedicate with something Christmassy, like Baileys;

Prepare for the ravenous feeling that will occur in the evening, even though the evening before you swore you never wanted to eat again. You may find yourself craving a cold roast potato or sprouts spread on a chocolate log. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal and, luckily, you will have the comfy waistband on;

When you are ready for bed, seamlessly transfer from the nest on the sofa to bed, preferably with your feet covered in novelty Christmas slippers on the way.

You’re welcome.

Stake your place near to the television early on