But for some brave souls, taking part in a Boxing Day Dip is the perfect antidote to the overindulgence of Christmas Day.
And Little Mix star Jade Thirlwall, who also celebrates her birthday on December 26, goes along every year to Littlehaven, in her native South Shields, in aid of Cancer Connections.
We were there to chat to Jade as she took to the waves, dressed as a reindeer, for 2019’s dip. Check out the pictures, and some fantastic festive shots of Jade’s efforts from years gone by, in our picture special.
1. The 2019 dip saw her don a reindeer outfit
Jade lends her support to Cancer Connections at the 2019 Boxing Day dip. Photo: IAN McCLELLANDwww.ianmacphotos.c
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2. Turning 27
Jade Thirlwall celebrates her 27th birthday with Deborah Roberts from Cancer Connections and event compere Ron Cameron. Photo: Ian McClelland
3. The whole gang
Jade Thirlwall and Paralympic swimmer Josef Craig with Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside, Coun Norman Dick and Mrs Jean Williamson, Fay Cunningham , Chair of Cancer Connections and young dippers Kaitlin Dixon, Erin White , Abigail Carr and Charlie White. Photo: IAN McCLELLANDwww.ianmacphotos.c
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4. Oh Christmas tree
Jade and paralympic swimmer Josef Craig with mayor Fay Cunningham and mayoress Stella Stella Matthewson in 2014. Photo: Stu Norton