How to survive January?

Go toyout local U3A and try everything before settling on something for Feb.

Just been out and noticed bulbs poking their noses out in the front garden Hurrah !

I like to get out the house ( flat these days ) and walk, visit, go to the cinema, anything that gets me out and makes goals to head for. If it snows and is too icy then there is a comfort in being in the warm and phoning friends for a chat. I, too, take pleasure in the longer and longer days that come about quite quickly once Christmas is over. I'm looking forward to the bulbs coming up in the pots on my balcony. Looking forward is my answer to getting through Jan/Feb, yet even as I type I can't help feeling that I should make the best of every day that comes and not wish them away.

It's my eldest grandson's birthday , my Dad's birthday and we are going Manchester to meet the newest addition to the family

After the past year I will simply grateful to partake in January. I think we take life too much for granted. Just saying.

I'm with GrannyO and those others who welcome January for the promise of all the good things to come. Bring it on!

I also have a number of medical appointments. My choir meets again on 10th after Xmas/NY break. And I always enjoy starting my annual de-clutter (would be nice to actually finish it - one of these years . . . !) and the virtuous feeling of smug self-satisfaction when I can see my floor. Unfortunately, because of serious lack of storage space, Xmas gifts make matters worse!!! This year DS having just finished a C&G course is job-seeking and because he's Asperger's Syndrome, he needs a lot of emotional support. He's also about to dump a GF who has been using him for some months. We're relieved, because he needs her like a fish needs a bicycle, but it will still hit him hard when it happens. And DH and I have agreed to take some "us time"

I love January. Everything is still to come, warmer weather, lighter nights, the garden starting up again, in front of you, not behind you. Just love it.

Dh and I have just retired. We are flying out to Oz to see our son and his family (2 lovely gs) in January for 2 months to help out with after school care and decorating (and enjoy some sunshine)! We will not miss the English weather and will look forward to spring on our return

Book a holiday or two. Lots of English countryside to explore.

If you can, get a good pair of walking shoes, a warm coat, hat and gloves, then go for a brisk walk in the woods. You won't notice the cold but you will hear the birds and feel the crackle of autumn leaves under your feet.

Sounds like January and February will fly by for you JackyB, extra work always seems to make the time go quicker. I always dread January too but every year we reach the end and think "where did that month go?". Like many have said we are heading in the right direction and the days are very slowly getting longer. If the weather is awful there will be plenty to do at home, not least catching up with my Christmas books and there may even be something worth watching on the TV.

January doesn't seem any different from any other month to me.

Plus points:

1. The days are getting lighter, and this seems to happen quite rapidly
2. No great plans yet, and few commitments, except the hairdresser's appointment I made in November.
3. Chance to catch up and, as others have said, spring clean and de-clutter.

However, a colleague is having an operation next week, and I won't be able to take time off work, and will have double the workload, for the 6-8 weeks after that. I hope I shall be able to leave the office early enough to get all the things done at home that I would like to.

I'm another one who quite likes January. Some years ago I learned (the hard way) not to fund Christmas with credit card spending so I have no January bills to fear. Once the decorations are down my wife and I will take some time to argue over discuss where we are going to take our holidays this year, and once we reach a decision we will go to our local library and find out all we can about our chosen destinations.

Granted it will be cold, but somehow I always expect January to be cold-but-dry, whereas February will be cold-and-wet. So we will have a few days out as well.

Iam64&Jalima.thank you!?oooh am bursting to hold him....✨✨tHappy January...I love EVERY month.whatever it brings..xx

sue1169 that sounds like the best possible start to January 2017 - Happy New Year and best wishes to you all and to baby Ralph!

I like cold, crisp days Iam64 but today we had freezing fog so a day for hibernating (and doing some cleaning before visitors at the weekend).

That sounds a great start t 2017 sue1169. I like January, we're on the way to longer, lighter days. I love the cold and even the snow, if we have any. I don't take the Christmas decorations down till 12th night, so plan to enjoy them, and the chocolates until that date when a bit of austerity on the food front will begin.

Sending everyone very best wishes for a peaceful new year

Well am off to Dubai on New Year Day to meet my brand new grandson Ralph.who had a rough start .emergency C section boxing day...but he and daughter fine and home now ❤ so be there helping for most of January....Happy New Year to everyone on gransnet ✨✨

Still wishing you Good Luck ?

Did it last year and it was ok, but still not looking forward to it,

suzied i did dry January earlier this year the 100 dry days over the summer. Firstly it's easier that you'd think and secondly you'll find you do drink less when you come off it.

The secret....have something else to drink instead. Pour yourself a glass and have it ready when you'd normally have your first drink. Good luck

We are doing Dry January which I am not looking forward to. Cheers! ???

I've just received my long johns I ordered in the post today. I now have them on! Very sexy, go with my nightie very well. When I am on my scooter in this weather my legs get freezing so I ordered these to keep the biting wind out. I will now order a full set so that my back is kept warm too and my shoulders but also so that I don't stay in and hog the radiator all January. These lovely clothes will help me to get out. I have ordered a little child's thermal vest too, which I will alter to make a tiny one for my doggie to go under her coat for on the scooter, keep her nice and toastie. X

I spring clean in January after the decorations come down. A good declutter does me the power of good. We will also begin to plan as DH is retiring at the end of April. Holidays and maybe a house move this year.
Regular things like walking netball and weekly coffee start again after the Christmas break and DGS1 has a birthday in January.

I hate January and would love to be going away somewhere sunny and warm. However, it's not possible this year for a couple of reasons so I'm trying to forget about it and wait for the spring to be sprung.

No birthdays to lighten the load, but the wee DGD will start her big girl nursery after the holidays and we are preparing for the arrival of the new baby so good things on the horizon at least.