Pint?
It's the most wonderful time of the year...to drink responsibly. Here's our logic.
1) It's a merry time of year
Ok, not everyone loves Christmas, but we're more inclined to think that the majority of people's spirit, happiness and joy is closer to Buddy the Elf than Hans Gruber over this festive period.
Case in point, this is usually what the Clausometer looks like when you have to go back to work.
With this in mind, people are just in a happier mood during the Christmas season because they're free from work, less stressed and full of festive spirit.
2) Still on a slightly hungover buzz
Christmas day is fantastic because you get to spend the entire day eating and drinking with your family, friends and loved ones.
This usually means that you'll be having 'one or two' more drinks than you usually would, thus ensuring that you'll probably still be pretty buzzed heading into St Stephen's Day. It's the perfect rollover.
3) Plenty of soakage
Just because you might be slightly hungover in the morning, this feeling will usually be gone by lunch. Like a St. Stephen's Day miracle, you usually find yourself feeling as fresh as a daisy because there's lots of wonderful soakage and food in your house.
We'd wager that most of those hungover days of the year are spent nursing a headache while praying that you have some crisps, biscuits or 'the cure' in your press/fridge.
Well, today, you're in luck. All that food should leave you feeling right as rain for 'Round Two'. It's a miracle!
4) There's great TV on
If you fancy having the hair of the dog then there's plenty to watch while you're sipping on that mulled wine or whiskey.
There's lots of sport on TV along with plenty of
decent movies. All this without even mentioning...
5) The races
We're sure that you all love spending time with your family on Christmas day, but a trip to the races provides a perfect excuse for all of you to get out of the house.
If you're there, then a few drinks will be in order, especially if you manage to come out in the black.
6) Staying local
We're confident in saying that the majority of people will prefer to visit their local pub for a few drinks on St. Stephen's night, as opposed to making a trip into town.
Truth be told, it's the best way to go because it means that you have more time to have a few drinks in the home of your family/mates and it cuts out any mad queues for a taxi home.
7) Fresh faces
It's impossible to go out for a drink on St Stephen's night and not bump into someone that you know. While this happens on most weekends around Ireland, this night is unique because you'll usually meet someone that's only home for the Christmas period.
These 'catch-ups' usually occur when you're both p**ed as farts and standing in line to use the urinal. Always an interesting chat.
8) Potential to use Christmas chat-up lines
The following are so bad that they should come with a warning.
Yule do.
You can unwrap me any time.
I think you’re a real cracker OR if you were a reindeer then you would be Vixen.
They're all terrible.
9) The fridge is stocked
If you really want to keep the party going after last orders, there's a good chance that your fridge contains a hearty supply of drink. It's a Christmas miracle!
10) By a lovely coincidence
There's a full football calendar. Our advice is to record Match of the Day and watch it when you get home with a cup of tea or pint in hand.
As an added bonus, unless you're one of the unfortunate people that has to work on December 27, you can also sleep in the next day and repeat this list all over again. Bliss.
Have a brilliant day, folks. But remember to take it handy so you can remember this class occasion in the future.
For information about alcohol and drinking responsibly in Ireland, visit drinkaware.ie.
