RED ALERT: IT’S already 6 January.

That means we’re almost a week into 2016 already.

It’s time to start thinking ahead to the year to come – how will 2016 be for you? Well, it’ll be a lot better if you try out a few things from our list this month. Let’s take a look…

1. Make a photo album

January is the perfect time to take a look back at the year that was – and what better way to do it than to compile a lovely photo album? Photo albums in the digital age are a bit of a lost art, but it’s nice to think that you’ll one day have something to leaf through with the grandkids. Print photos – of holidays, of your family, friends, pets, anything really – and get sticking.

It will be a lovely thing to hold onto forever, and also a good use of a Saturday afternoon in January to boot.

Jeff1961 Jeff1961

2. Do it on the dry

Trying your hand at Dry Jan? That means it’s an ideal month to get creative with what you do when you hang out with friends – be that doing a Come Dine With Me with your group of friends, hiking up the mountains, going for a cycle, maybe even hitting up some museums and galleries instead of the pub at the weekend.

Zach Dischner Zach Dischner

3. Visit your local library

Now don’t call us crazy for this one… There’s really there’s no better place to visit than your local library in January – to pick up a stack of books to curl up with at home in front of the fire. Well, if that cold snap ever comes.

twechy twechy

4. Get a SAD lamp

If you’re working full-time inside, chances are you’re not seeing a lot of the sun in the mornings or evenings this month. That can affect your mood – but a SAD lamp (either on your desk or at home in your living room) can lift you up and help you feel brighter. Pun intended. Sorry.

Leonid Mamchenkov Leonid Mamchenkov

5. Ready, steady…

Make it your mission this January to cook one thing you’ve never tried before. Not only will it save you some cash in eating out, but it will make you feel accomplished. And who knows where your culinary mastery could go from there?

Moyan_Brenn Moyan_Brenn

6. Make plans

January is the perfect time to get your house in order for 2016 and plan out your year. Bonus: it’ll give you lots of lovely things to arrange – for example, slot in important birthdays or events , and think about when you might want to take a holiday. Get yourself a diary (and enjoy writing on new stationery, AKA one of the purest pleasures in life) and take note of what will be happening in the coming year to try and put some shape on it in your mind. You’ll find there’s lots to look forward to.

Benson Kua Benson Kua

One great thing to do in January is plan your holidays for 2016.

If you’re thinking of booking a getaway this year, you’re in luck – book your summer holiday now with the Aer Lingus summer sale and save up to 50% off to Europe. Check out the range of great offers across a diverse and broad range of destinations at AerLingus.com and book online today. It’ll definitely make this winter day seem a lot brighter.