Summary
Overview
In this episode, Jo and Zoe reflect on returning to school and work routines after Christmas, sharing creative ways to make January more bearable including 'Jolly January' - exchanging small gifts throughout the month. They discuss the challenges of balancing work with childcare, family dynamics during difficult Christmases, and share practical tips about everything from bra shopping to planting cherry blossoms. The conversation is warm, honest, and peppered with humor about the realities of post-holiday life.
Winter Weather and Back to School Blues
Jo and Zoe discuss the excitement of a rare snowfall on the coast and the challenging return to school routines. They share strategies for making January more bearable, including creating lists of things to look forward to like trips to stationery shops, pedicures, and small treats. The conversation touches on how giving yourself something to anticipate can help combat the darkness and cold of winter months.
- First snowfall on the coast made the school run more exciting, with winter garden interest looking beautiful in frost
- Mock exams starting tomorrow adds pressure to the return to school
- Creating a list of treats and activities to look forward to helps combat January blues
- Planned treats include visiting Choosing Keeping stationery shop in London and getting pedicures together
" I know it's really hard when you get to january and february they're very dark and challenging months so let's make a list of all the things that you look forward to or any treats that you want to do "
Jolly January: A Creative Approach to Beat the Blues
Danny, one of the Dig It editors, shares his ingenious 'Jolly January' tradition with partner Vera - exchanging seven small gifts throughout the month to brighten the typically dreary post-Christmas period. The gifts are budget-friendly (around £5 each) and can include anything from coffee and flowers to homemade meals or poems. This creative approach has helped them successfully navigate what's often considered the most difficult month of the year.
- Jolly January involves exchanging seven small, budget-friendly gifts (around £5 each) spread throughout the month
- Partners alternate gift-giving days, with both exchanging gifts on the final day of January
- Gifts can be tangible items like coffee, chocolate, or socks, or gestures like cooking dinner or writing a poem
- Works best with someone you live with - a partner, flatmate, or family member
" January can be a bit of a struggle, you know, post-Christmas blues, bills, taxes, terrible weather and not much to look forward to, really "
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