What are the best ways to spend Betwixtmas? 

The few days between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve have earned themselves a new name in recent years - Betwixtmas.

During these glorious days, time loses all meaning and it can be hard to know what to do with it.

Thankfully, Irish Examiner lifestyle editor Esther McCarthy joined Newstalk Breakfast to share her top tips for making the most of Betwixtmas.

Dress code

Starting off strong, Ms McCarthy has the dress code sorted - and it helps establish the mood for the period.

"Only PJs are acceptable at this time of year - do not get into anything that doesn't have a stretchy bottom," she said.

"We've had enough sparkles at this stage and we're going to have to do it all again for New Year's Eve - so this is a week for relaxing."

After days spent cooking elaborate meals in the kitchen, the Betwixtmas menu is a simple one, Ms McCarthy said.

"You know yourself - it's going to be white bread, butter and slabs of meat," she said.

"You've done so much already - you've made the magic happen and now it's time for leftovers."

A family in Christmas pyjamas makes cookies together, Alamy

Betwixtmas is not a time for entertaining or for any strenuous activity, according to Ms McCarthy.

"Put the fire on, lock the door and get Uncle Joe who arrived two weeks ago and hasn't left yet on the bus back home," she said.

"Betwixtmas is a time for family."

There is, however, one daily activity Ms McCarthy recommends throughout this period.

"You have to go for a walk every day of Betwixtmas - it's the law," she said.

"If you can get your kids down to be sand-blasted at a beach somewhere - you'll get extra points."

The Betwixtmas tradition of daily walks is a generational one, and Ms McCarthy encourages parents to keep it going.

Featured image shows a man reading a Christmas story to a young boy, Alamy.