~ HAPPY TWIXMAS ~
Not everyone finds Christmas easy and I do hope you were able to find peace and enjoyment. I was fortunate to spend some wonderful time with family sharing memories and making new ones, and now here we are it's twixmas.
But what is Twixmas (or Twixtmas), I hear you ask? Well, it's the name given to the often weird nothing-y period between Christmas and New Year’s Day (26-31 December).
Why is it called Twixmas?
Is 'Twixmas' a real word? In short: no. It’s a portmanteau – a blend of two words (and their meanings) that makes a new word. In this case, its roots are in ‘Betwixt’ (an old English word that means ‘between’) and ‘Christmas’. And it doesn't appear to be a fading concept, as Collins Dictionary currently has Twixmas on its list of ‘words to watch’.
When did Twixmas become a thing?
No one actually knows who came up with the word 'Twixmas', although it's possible it was created by travel companies to sell minibreaks and holidays between Christmas and New Year. That said, history shows that the concept is one that has, like the 12 Days of Christmas, endured for centuries.
The simple answer? Any way you want! For some, Twixmas is all about curling up under a blanket in cosy PJs with a festive film, or that buzzed-about boxset or book. For others, it's a chance to get some air, enjoy countryside walks or indulge in a little craft or DIY activities. It's also the perfect time to gather your thoughts ahead of 2025, and write down your new goals.
Twixmas and Turkey!
Twixmas is a great time to use up leftovers. If you have too much Turkey left over the recipe suggestions here may help.
All the best Jan
Is 'Twixmas' a real word? In short: no. It’s a portmanteau – a blend of two words (and their meanings) that makes a new word. In this case, its roots are in ‘Betwixt’ (an old English word that means ‘between’) and ‘Christmas’. And it doesn't appear to be a fading concept, as Collins Dictionary currently has Twixmas on its list of ‘words to watch’.
No one actually knows who came up with the word 'Twixmas', although it's possible it was created by travel companies to sell minibreaks and holidays between Christmas and New Year. That said, history shows that the concept is one that has, like the 12 Days of Christmas, endured for centuries.
- In medieval times, land workers took time to rest and reflect with loved ones after Christmas, with their break often lasting for several days.
- In the 1800s the week post-Christmas was far more sociable, with aristocrats keeping the celebrations going with all manner of festive parties.
- Today, ‘betwixtmas’ is more of a feeling: an opportunity to pause, relax and reset, before the New Year.
The simple answer? Any way you want! For some, Twixmas is all about curling up under a blanket in cosy PJs with a festive film, or that buzzed-about boxset or book. For others, it's a chance to get some air, enjoy countryside walks or indulge in a little craft or DIY activities. It's also the perfect time to gather your thoughts ahead of 2025, and write down your new goals.
Twixmas is a great time to use up leftovers. If you have too much Turkey left over the recipe suggestions here may help.
~ enjoy your twixmas days ~
You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.
All the best Jan
26 comments:
Twixmas, with its blend of 'betwixt' and 'Christmas', beautifully captures that unique, almost suspended period where time seems to slow down. It's fascinating to learn about its historical roots and how this tradition has evolved over the centuries. The idea that people have long cherished this time for rest, reflection, and social gatherings is heartwarming.
...Twixmas is new to me, have a merry one.
Enjoy your twixmas! -Christine cmlk79.blogspot.com
Espero que lo hayas pasado bien. Gracias por la receta de pavo aunque por lo general termino haciendo sanduches con lo que me queda. Te mando un beso.
Happy Twixmas, Jan! Love this new word - it's perfect! Hope your new year is happy and healthy! xx
Twixtmas is when we do a big winter clean. I got the whole first floor done today. Fridge and freezer ready for healthy meals. Santa put away and "winter" decoration out.
After guests leave tomorrow it is on to the second floor and what will be a giant mound of laundry!
I ❤️ Twixtmas!
Well, that's an eye opener indeed! Twixmas is one of those words I try to avoid, but if it is a thing, maybe I shouldn'lt?
My most favourite turkey leftover recipes were my mum's Turkey Pie, made with the absolute dreg ends of the turkey, picking the bones clean and maybe even including some leftover ham. It was a seasonal adaptation of her Chicken Pie. Also my own New Years Day Turkey Soup which we shared with company at our NYD Football gathering round the telly.
Right, on to Twixtmas we go . . .
All the best, Debbie
I'm glad you had a nice holiday.
Very useful information,
we definitely need to watch our sugar and control it,
unfortunately we often get carried away.
Have a good new year.
Be well and have fun!
Twixmas is the perfect description. Thank you.
Grazie per le informazioni di questo post, non sapevo che fossimo in pieno Twixmas
O bom é passar esse período com alegria e disposição para mais um ano receber! Lindo post,bem explicado! beijos, feliz 2025! chica
However you spend it, I hope your Twixmas is just as you wish it to be.
Happy Twixmas! It is a good time to relax and reset.
Happy Friday, have a great day and a happy weekend!
Stay warm and enjoy this winter.
I didn't know about this Twixmas...sounds fun!
I have never heard of this word, but it sure is befitting for this in-between week of celebration! I'm going to have to slow down on that though because the dr has recommended I get my A1C down. Christmas time is an awful time to be checking blood sugar, unless you are well disciplined like my husband.
Happy Twixmas to you and yours!
What a fun name for this time.
I do struggle with Christmas and New Year too. I think a lot of people do as you said. Big hugs Jan.
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J. P. Alexander
Espero que lo hayas pasado bien. Gracias por la receta de pavo aunque por lo general termino haciendo sanduches con lo que me queda. Te mando un beso
I hope you had a good time. Thanks for the turkey recipe although I usually end up making sandwiches with what I have left. I send you a kiss
Stefania
Grazie per le informazioni di questo post, non sapevo che fossimo in pieno Twixmas
Thanks for the information in this post, I didn't know we were in full Twixmas
chica
O bom é passar esse período com alegria e disposição para mais um ano receber! Lindo post,bem explicado! beijos, feliz 2025! chica
The good thing is to spend this period with joy and willingness to receive another year! Beautiful post, well explained! Kisses, Happy 2025! Chica
That's a great time for that period.
Happy Twixmas! What a wonderful explanation of the Twixmas tradition—such a great way to unwind between the festive hustle. Wishing everyone a peaceful and enjoyable pause before the New Year!
And the same to you, Jan. I know this might be a little harder Christmas but you have been in my thoughts so very often. Happy in-between week and new year, too!
Hello Jan :)
I had never heard of Twixmas but after reading about how the two words were agreeably joined together it makes perfect sense.I hope you are able to enjoy this time between Christmas and New Year. I feel it must be an emotional time of year for you Jan, it still is for me, but I wish you a New Year filled with good times and happy memories.
All the best
Sonjia.
I had never heard of that word before, it is a good time to just relax, we have rain so their hasn't been time to enjoy a good walk though. I have been working on cleaning up my craft room, would be nice to start the new year with a better organized room. So glad to hear you enjoyed your Christmas!
I love the time after Christmas...when we can sit back and relax and eat leftovers...and going shopping is not such an ordeal....
Siempre nos cuentas cosas interesantes. Muchos besos.
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