Who says January has to be a drag?

Yet it seems that as soon as we’ve wiped the New Year's Eve confetti off our shoulders, it’s straight onto the gym treadmills and spinach smoothies. Add sodden weather to the picture (and a wallet with nothing inside it but a terrifying abyss) and you could be forgiven for hiding out in a hollowed out oak tree till February.

It doesn’t have to be this way. In fact, here at 5pm HQ, we want to see an end to all the misery (so if the celery sticks are upsetting you, then that’s okay — you can put them away).

We reckon it’s time for a new tradition that sets the tone for the whole year. One that’s about filling January with all the good things that you want to enjoy for the next twelve months...

Turn January into Joy-uary

That’s why our team have an annual ritual — as soon as we get back to the office after Christmas, we share the three things we’re most looking forward to in January. These could include gin tastings, slap-up Italian meals and me-time massages (funnily enough though, they never include drinking more carrot juice).

The best thing is, they don't have to be expensive — they just have to be fun.

And guess what? By the time we’ve shared our three little things, we’re feeling the January joy.

Find your Three-sons To Be Cheerful

So why not plan your own three little treats for January?

Think about what would make you happy — whether that’s a comedy gig, tapas lunch or reviving day at a spa — then get planning. Next, all you have to do is decide who you're taking along for the ride...

And by starting 2019 as you mean to go on, you can ditch the winter blues and turn January into Joy-uary this year.

Don't have anything planned yet? Find luxury on a post-festive budget with our Joy-uary deals, including fizzy afternoon teas, fine dining and pampering facials (plus plenty of romantic getaways).