Things to do on Boxing Day

Whatever the weather, get outside on Boxing Day.

Chances are you've been in the house since Christmas Eve so it's time to dust off the cobwebs and go outdoors. It doesn't have to be far or for long, but getting some fresh air will make you feel more positive - it always works for me.

As I mentioned it's just me and the dog on Boxing Day so we always start the day with a dog walk. Not just a local one either, we usually start our journey in the car to a local beauty spot and head for the hills.

I am always amazed by how many people are out on Boxing Day walks, wearing their Christmas best and willing to make eye contact and chat. It's so good for the soul.

Now this is something I definitely would not do, but many people do - go shopping in the Boxing Day sales.

Most high street shops start their sales on Boxing Day so why not make a day of it and head out for some retail therapy.

Times are hard at the moment, so I am with you if you couldn't think of anything worse, or won't have the cash for even more festive shopping, but if you are going to do it put your best Christmas clothes on and make sure you have dinner out too, and treat yourself.

Maybe those amazing sofa and bed sales we see advertised on the telly on Christmas Day are spectacular? You'll never know unless you go...

This is a self-indulgent suggestion but it is what I love to do on Boxing Day - go to the football. I have a season pass for my local team and we are lucky enough to usually have a home fixture on Boxing Day. Walking to the match it's nice to see three generations of family heading to the game, perhaps for the first time since last Boxing Day.

You don't have to go to the game to make football a part of your day, with a full complement of matches from most of the top leagues you can watch from your home or the pub.

If watching football isn't your thing, why not grab the kids, the cousins and friends and head to the park for a children v adults game of footie? Or rounders? Or whatever you feel like.

I know for many of us, well me anyway, the thought of doing Christmas Day twice is the last thing I would want. But in the case of my daughter and her dad's family that's exactly what they do. I guess it will be the same for a lot of households with blended or extended families.

I expect a lot of large families will have different family members over on Boxing Day - those they've not managed to spend time with yet. I'd love to hear how your family does it, do you do Christmas dinner again or something alternative like a curry or buffet? Or do you all go out for a Christmas lunch?

I know my daughter has always loved her second Christmas; seeing her dad, step-mum and family, more food, presents and chocolate. Come to think of it, a Christmas do-over on Boxing Day does sound like fun, wonder if it'll work for just the dog and I - sure she will love it (my sense of smell not so much!).