Christmas is great, but January is so much better, right?

I love Christmas, but what I love more is the fresh start which January allows.

While I'm frantically preparing for the big day and happily deliberating over lists ansd schedules, I allow myself a few moments to consider the joy January brings me.

I am far from a grinch and genuinely enjoy every minute of the festive season, but I think the reason I enjoy it so much is because I know it's going to end soon.

I can handle the mania, I can cope with the chaos and I can deal with the unbridled cheer, but only for a short amount of time before I hit a wall.

And then, thankfully, January rolls around!

The tree which resembles more of a jumble sale than a festive decoration is replaced by fresh flowers.

The bunting which has seen better days is packed up for another year.

And my heightened blood pressure returns to normal as I assess my empty diary, cast an eye over my cleaner home and thank God Christmas only comes once a year.

January brings with it a sense of calm, an opportunity for new beginnings and the choice to make a new start - something which instills a sense of hope in me that Christmas simply can't.

I find myself spinning out of control in December, but in January I am an oasis of calm.

Yes, I have an empty wallet, a bank account crying out for a deposit and an extra seven or eight lbs on my figure, but I also have a sense of quiet anticipation.

Upon recently revealing this to a friend, I was accused of wishing away the Christmas season and dampening the spirits of festive-lovers everywhere.

Really?

I struggle to belive any adult out there would happily accept a Christmas season which extends further than normal or any parent who would happily trip over discarded Christmas decorations until June.

Christmas, while truly lovely, is something to be navigated.

January, on the other hand, is something to be savioured.