Unwrapping in-between days of Twixmas
Arthur Gourounlian at his home in Terenure, Dublin. Photograph: Gareth Chaney
Given just how hectic the festive season is, from shopping to Santa and everything in between, the days between Christmas and New Year can be sacred — a time to switch off the phone, switch on the TV, and relax in front of a roaring fire.
We asked well-known people what they will be doing during Twixmas and whether it is a time for winding down or if they get unsettled at the prospect of doing nothing.
Arthur Gourounlian, professional dancer and TV presenter, lives in Dublin with his husband Brian and their daughters Blake and Blu.
He loves Christmas but is only taking a few days off, as he has work commitments.
“As a freelancer, I can’t take lots of time off as Dancing with the Stars will be starting in the New Year, so there’s always something to do and I can only really relax properly for a few days.
“When you work for yourself; you have to do everything and make sure you’re on top of it all. But for four days, I will be chilling with the kids and going on little excursions. Brian and I are very spontaneous and often just jump in the car at the last minute and go for a drive and a coffee without planning anything.
“There will be lots of food left over, as my mom and my sister-in-law are great cooks, and I’m already looking forward to the turkey and ham sandwiches, as they are the best bits. Also, I love desserts — I’ll have to be rolled down into the city in January because I’ll probably eat so many Tunnock’s teacakes. My mom will make some of my favourite Armenian desserts — it’s the only time I can enjoy them without feeling guilty.
“So I’m going to enjoy it all because before you know it, it will all go again for another year.”
Jacqui Hurley, RTÉ sports broadcaster and chat show host, is jetting off to the sunshine during the holidays and hopes to “make the most out of the quiet days between Christmas and the New Year”.
“We’re actually going to Australia, so I won’t have any hosting duties this year. We’re usually racing around meeting people, and it often turns into more of an endurance test than a holiday, so we’re glad to be spending it on the beach and enjoying the quieter time.
“We’re going away for the guts of a month — a few weeks in Australia and then, as Vietnam has been on our bucket list for a long time, we’re going to stop there for 10 days. I’ve always wanted to see the country, and our two kids are excited about the adventure, so hopefully it will be a trip of a lifetime for them. We know how lucky we are to be able to do it.”
Jarlath Regan, comedian, podcaster, illustrator and author of The Gobshite Guidebook , lives in Co Meath with his wife and son. He says his life will continue at a hectic pace, despite all around him slowing down.
“Most people enjoy a nice relaxing period between Christmas and New Year, but not me. I chose to marry a woman who was born on New Year’s Eve. So I spend those in-between days in a total panic trying to figure out what to get this woman for her birthday. I could have bought this gift many weeks beforehand, but like most Irish men, I like the rush of adrenaline it gives me.
“My wife hates her birthday, so that really puts the pressure on me to make sure she enjoys the dreaded day.
“Years ago, my mission (between Christmas and New Year) was to devour everything and anything that was put in front of me and to seek out second helpings if they were available. I’m a tiny bit more mature now, so instead I focus all of my energy on just eating realistic, healthy amounts of trifle at regular intervals.
“I am back to work on January 3 at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast for my brand new tour, .”
Catherine Fulvio, TV chef and owner of Ballyknocken House and Cookery School, says Twixmas is ‘sacred’ to her as she tries to keep work to a minimum and allow herself to unwind.
“I’ll spend time at home, catching up with family, enjoying long walks, maybe popping over to visit relatives or have a few friends drop by — it’s very low-key.
“I have a stack of books and cookbooks that I’ve been meaning to read all year, so that’s my winter treat, curling up with a good cuppa and dipping in and out of them.
“Also, I’m a huge fan of leftovers. There’s something wonderfully comforting about turning the last of the ham into an Irish twist on a carbonara, or making a spiced turkey noodle soup. And, of course, the famous leftover turkey sandwich — which for me is chunky bread, stuffing, and cranberry sauce — is pure heaven.
“I usually ease myself back into work just after New Year, and I always feel refreshed after those few quieter days — there’s a great energy to the start of the year, and I love diving into it.”
Presenter, producer and writer Maia Dunphy loves everything about Christmas and the time in between, which she will devote to getting out and about with her 10-year-old son, Tom and finishing all the leftovers.
“I try to do lots of walking in the no-man’s land between Christmas and New Year. We fostered a dog last Christmas to take the pressure off the hardworking staff [at the dog shelter], and she had to be walked, so we hope to do the same this year. I usually have some small bits of writing to do, which I’m always glad of, and I’ll try to make the effort to see friends who are home for Christmas.
“One of my best friends who lives in the Netherlands will be home, so we will head off to see her family in Laois.
“Bored or not, I hate waste. So there will be turkey pies, ham pasta bakes, and leftover canapés eaten for breakfast.
“I like to get back into the normal routine immediately (after Christmas), but I absolutely despise January, so I save a few meet-ups for the New Year, because it’s madness to cram so much fun into December and then face into the longest month of the year with nothing to look forward to.”
Actor Rebecca Grimes will be spending Christmas at her sister’s house with a ‘big gang’, including her husband and baby daughter Dara. She is looking forward to a relaxing Twixmas, enjoying lots of good food and good company.
“I really love the period between Christmas and New Year’s — I love unwinding at home, having friends and family over, and eating and drinking. We’ll do long walks with the dog to balance out the indulgences, and visit friends and family too.
“New Year’s Eve is our wedding anniversary, so we will return to The Angler’s Rest for an anniversary lunch with Dara in tow, then catch up with pals and a bottle of Champagne later that evening.
“I love Christmas leftovers, and of course, there’s the Ferrero Rocher and boxes of crisps and cheeseboards to enjoy. Then I’ll be back filming on from January 3 — I’m looking forward to that too.”
John Creedon, RTÉ broadcaster and author of
, enjoys spending time with family over Christmas. But he won’t get “a huge amount of downtime” between Christmas Day and the New Year as there is “always a lot on”.
“This is actually a very busy time for me as, with the nature of my work over the years, I will be working — hosting the New Year’s Eve concert with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra at the National Concert Hall or the UL Concert Hall in Limerick. I work a lot of New Year’s Eves and also a lot over Christmas, including Creedon’s Christmas on RTÉ Radio One between 11am and 1pm on Christmas Day.
“I always find it very moving, and I’m mindful of people who might be listening on their own and am conscious that for some people there may be a lot of sadness at this time of year.
“I don’t get much time off, but when I am, I will be visiting family and friends, trying to catch up with people and also catching up with some reading as I have a stack of books on my desk that I have to start looking at.
“Speaking of which, the is always a huge part of my Christmas reading, so I’m looking forward to that as I love all the folklore and history. I also love doing the Diffney Quiz, so I will do that between Christmas and New Year.
“My girls, apart from Martha, who is in Australia, will be home as well, so it will be lovely spending time with them and also with my sisters and other people that I don’t get the chance to see during the year.
“So I’ll be doing some visiting in Cork and in West Limerick.
“Other than that, it won’t be a hugely eventful time, but I am looking forward to it nonetheless.”
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