The best ways to spend Boxing Day

The histrionics of the 25th are over – the day when pleasure and pain seem to be so well acquainted. Months of hype and preparation over in the blink of an eye, the tree now fit for the fire. But fear not, because it’s Boxing Day – the best day of the Christmas break. The time to actually relax, without having to hear 3,000 relatives telling you how much you’ve grown over the past year, asking what your life goals are, or why you’re still single.

Here’s how you should be spending your day…

It’s the perfect day to head out and support your local hunt. The tradition of hunting with hounds has long been relegated to the archives but the occasion still celebrates the British countryside and the people who have dedicated their lives to it. Find your local hunt at www.bailyshuntingdirectory.com

A good way to walk off some of the Christmas calories – especially given that we’re in the chokehold of a winter heatwave (according to the Daily Mail).

Likelihood is that you spent most of Christmas day inside, drinking and gorging yourself silly, so a little fresh air will do you the world of good.

If this is something you’re into, then why now grab a shotgun and head out into the fields to bag a pheasant or two for the table.

Find a course near you and go try the odds. The thrill of racing need not be reserved for the warm summer months.

Christmas lunch requires a lot of work – preparing, laying up, washing, etc. – so take the stress away on Boxing Day by eating lunch at a local pub.

Cards, friendly betting and left over Xmas food, into the wee hours – a fantastic way to enjoy the weekend.

For those who have the option, duck the cobwebs from your rod case and head to the river to chase the lady of the stream. A day spent on the river is a day well spent.

The sales are on, and if you aren’t burnt out from the pre-Xmas splurge then go join the crowds after some great deals.