Opinion

Eithne Shortall: All hail the season of getting into bed at 8pm

After the frenetic pace of the Christmas rush, there is an oft-undervalued joy to the January lull

Eithne Shortall: ‘Everything about January is quieter, slower . . . It’s not too late to join me in the January fan club.’ Picture: Fergal Phillips

I was in a supermarket on New Year’s Day, buying milk and beans and all those staples that get forgotten in the latter half of December, when the woman behind me in the queue declared her dislike for January. The champagne was still front and centre of the off-licence section, but the celebrations were clearly over.

“God, but this month would put years on you,” she said.

I gave a polite nod of comprehension, but ...