ADVERTISEMENTThe gloomy combination of long dark days, totting up Christmas overspending and returning to work means holidays to far-flung destinations are a distant dream for many at this time of year.
The Scots have a shrewd remedy for these winter blues, however.
Hurkle-durkling is the practice of lounging in bed until late, hunkered down amongst warm covers.
Add a few hotel-inspired luxuries to the mix like fancy teas and a soothing playlist and it becomes the perfect January (non) travel trend.
Begin 2025 with a staycation in your home
If funds don’t stretch to a five-star hotel stay to rest and recharge for the new year, then why not bring its benefits to you?
Staycationing (in the original sense of remaining at home or nearby for your holiday) is predicted to continue as a popular practice in 2025.
More Brits are planning to take a staycation in the UK in 2025 (52 per cent) than travel abroad for a holiday (46 per cent), new research from holiday park operator Away Resorts has revealed.
But instead of exploring your neighbourhood, try staying inside - hurkle-durkling - and reenact the luxury hotel experience at home.
What is hurkle-durkling?
Far from being seen as simply laziness, hurkle-durkling - a phrase coined in the 19th century - is enjoying a revival as an act of kindness to the body and mind.
Now touted as a wellness practice, it can be a tonic for the growing number of people overstressed by work, overstimulated by social media or generally overwhelmed by the anxiety-inducing state of our planet.
As you cocoon yourself in the cosy covers of your bed, you can forget the outside world for a while - that ‘urgent’ email will wait till tomorrow.
How to hurkle-durkle hotel style
To elevate your hurkle-durkling to an art, transform your bedroom with inspiration from high-end hotels.
Remake your bed with your nicest matching sheets and pillowcases and spritz a little perfume or essential oil on them.
Turn off the main light and use lamps or light some candles.
Head to YouTube or Spotify and find a soothing playlist of your preference, be it gentle jazz or meditation sounds.
ADVERTISEMENTFor refreshments, you could brew some expensive tea that’s been lurking in a cupboard, mix a mocktail or crack open some bubbly - make sure to use your finest china or glasses.
Now it’s time to tuck yourself up under the blankets and read that book you never seem to have time for or watch a film you’ve never finished because you drifted off.
Happy hurkle-durkling!