If you're bored with the predictability of Christmas Day, throw something new into the mix, suggests Róisín Ingle
For most of us, Christmas Day is the most predictable 24 hours of the entire year. We eat (too much). Drink (ditto). And generally be merry (see drink). If we are very lucky, we get to play a couple of games of Trivial Pursuit, break up a Bratz-induced family row or watch Pauline from EastEnders remind us that just because it's Christmas it doesn't mean you have to be 'appy, right? With this inevitability in mind, we bring you 10 ways to brush the cobwebs out of your Christmas Day - and maybe even establish some new traditions.
1 Take a dip
There's a reason those crazy swimmers out at the Forty Foot in Sandycove, Co Dublin, look so virtuous as they tuck into the turkey - those clever people have already worked off the pud in advance. Christmas Day swims take place across the country and the blue-flag Fenit beach in Co Kerry attracts thousands of swimmers. At Fenit, one enthusiast says the crowds love the tradition so much they run in and out of the sea three times. Loons. (On the plus side they raise buckets of money for local charities.)
2 Get back to nature
December 25th is the one day of the year that the Earl of Rosse opens the grounds and gardens at Birr Castle, Co Offaly, for free (it normally costs €9). Members of public can enjoy a wintry walk before or after their Christmas dinner under lichened hornbeam arches while admiring the tallest box hedges in the world, all in the shadow of beautiful Birr Castle. See www.birrcastle.com or call 057-9120336
3 Do a runner
The Goal mile run which raises money for John O'Shea's charity is already a yuletide tradition for thousands. The UCD track at Belfield, Dublin, is always good fun and this year the event kicks off at 10am. From Carlow to Donegal, Cork to Sligo, there is a Goal mile taking place near you on Christmas Day. See www.goal.ie for details
4 Phone a friend
The one you fell out with five years ago. The school mate you lost touch with. Chances are if you are thinking of them as you make those Christmas toasts, they are thinking of you. If Christmas Day seems a bit flat this year, a renewed acquaintance is just the thing to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
5 Shop online
If you open all your presents only to discover it's all Argyle socks, dodgy jumpers and aftershave sets, sneak away from the festivities to buy yourself what you really wanted online. Knowing your box set of The West Wing is being delivered in a few days will make the rest of the festivities bearable.
6 Breathe
The Christmas yoga and meditation course on Clare Island, Co Mayo, is perfect for anyone who can't face the thought of another turkey dinner. It's all veggie food for a start, with a schedule that includes yoga sessions, silent meditation and pranayama (breathing). The cost is €300 plus a donation for the teachers. It's "waiting list only" at the moment so, to get on that, or to sign up for next year, see www.yogaretreats.ie.
7 Get on your bike
The 15th annual Santa Christmas Day cycle in Clane, Co Kildare, takes place on December 25th to raise money for the National Council for the Blind. Assemble at the Clane GAA centre at 10am and don't forget your Santa hat. Phone Fergal at 045-868108 for details.
8 Be a good neighbour
Dublin charity Care Local organises visits to older people throughout the year and Christmas is no exception. Even calling around to an older neighbour living alone for a chat on Christmas Day can make a difference to their day. www.carelocal.com.
9 Be a backpacker
How's this for an alternative Christmas Day? Head to Dingle, Co Kerry, for a swim in the wild Atlantic followed by canapés and mulled wine on the beach before enjoying a day trip around Slea Head and sitting down to a sumptuous Christmas banquet with all the other backpackers in the Randy Leprechaun (ooer!).
It's a bargain, too. Paddywagon tours is offering a two-night Christmas special with hostel accommodation and all the activities listed above for just €145 www.paddywagontours.com.
10 Volunteer
The Knights of St Columbanus have been organising a successful Christmas dinner for the homeless in the RDS, Dublin, for years. To volunteer to serve, clean or pack takeaway dinners, just turn up at the Simmonscourt entrance at 9.30am on Christmas morning.
The musical "entertainment" provided by members of the Knights is well-intentioned but depressingly dated. "If I was sleeping on the street I wouldn't care if the performer was whistling Dixie through his teeth as long as I had a hot dinner inside me," a spokeswoman said when we put this to them. Still, if you are a musician/ singer/comedian and think the homeless deserve quality entertainment as much as the next person, why not give the Knights a call to offer your services? Phone 01-6761835for details.
