Battered and weary, we finally wake up on Boxing Day with nothing to show for it but a still-smouldering credit card, chronic indigestion and a lot of new socks. Sound familiar? Well, no more. This year it is time to yell "Bah!" followed by a triumphant shout of "Humbug!" With a little planning and preparation, Christmas at home can be avoided altogether.
If a winter holiday is too expensive or otherwise impractical, take heart - there are ways to avoid Christmas at home that don't need a ticket. Another easy way to celebrate is to gather a group of like-minded friends who have also sworn off the traditional festivities. You can then drive off en masse for a tinsel-free few days in the country, or perhaps a non-stop party in your favourite city.
Alternatively, you can all invite yourselves over to whoever has the biggest house and spend a few days eating your favourite un-Christmassy food and playing the best un-Christmassy music. You could also make a pact not to buy each other presents, or only to buy small jokey ones - that way you also avoid the stress that leads up to the day itself.
