How to survive January in Madrid?

December is over. In January there's no broadcasting of Love Actually, no Christmas market at the Plaza Mayor, no Nativity Scenes. Last month you have seen your family more than normal – and maybe more than necessary – and you have celebrated New Year's Eve. Now the Christmas tree has silently left the house. It's 2016 (Happy New Year by the way) and things can go back to normal.
So what to do in January in Madrid? And what are our hopes (or wishes) for the New Year? Three of our colleagues tell you.  

HOW TO SURVIVE THE POST-FIESTAS IN MADRID?

Sjoukje (partner MadWay): Ah, back to normal! I am not a fan of big crowds, so as long as you avoid the rebajas (sales) on the weekends it´s great to enjoy the city of Madrid after the busy holiday-crowds have gone!
Enjoy a rainy Sunday morning drinking vermouth with friends to catch up, it´s great to see everyone again after they come back from their family visits. And get back to your sport routine to get rid of the holiday-weight!

Neeltje (Madway-guide, nurse and coordinator at Dutch Students Abroad): It´s easy, going to work again. It feels good to have a chill and healthy month after the fiestas :)

Marijn (Madway-guide, coach, tour director and visual artist): And back to normal! That’s how I feel these days after the three kings have left the capital again. This month motivates me to focus again on the things I would like to do, especially after the lovely fiesta weeks that where (of course) also a social obligation.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING IN MADRID IN JANUARY?

Sjoukje: If you are lucky and you can go shopping during the week, the sales of Madrid are the best. They last for weeks and the shops really try to get rid of their stock so they will offer great discounts. Try to go on a morning during the week though, to avoid getting trampled by discount-hunters!

Neeltje: Also in January the city is awake. There are sales everywhere, so it´s nice to go shopping and drink a cup of coffee in a nice bar afterwards. 

Marijn: So what can I think of? Riding my bike! Temperatures are mild, there's still lots of sunny days with temperatures up to 17 degrees. I go to the Casa the Campo where the spectacular views of the city and the Royal palace is a true treat every time. Also I enjoy the lovely Madrid Rio park that surprises me over and over again. Here the impressive Matadero complex lays right next to the river. To enjoy a local and cultural atmosphere this is the perfect place. By bike all the best of Madrid is easily reached meanwhile it's relaxing, refreshing and physically active. In one word great!

Also, besides enjoying the menú del día (set meal) at two o'clock, I will enjoy the temporary exhibitions of the big three: Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen Bornemisza. The queues of the museums have slimmed down again and Thyssen is even free on Mondays!

WHAT DO YOU THINK/HOPE WILL CHANGE IN MADRID IN 2016?

Sjoukje: I hope the BiciMad system (public e-bike system) will keep improving as it's a great way to get around the city. Also, I hope the municipality will keep taking measures to improve the air quality as it was a big problem in the fall. If they can also arrange the temperatures to be a bit lower in summer life would be perfect ;)

Neeltje: I hope there will be more jobs for the people of Spain in their own profession. 

Marijn: For 2016 I hope that we can all focus on the things we have to offer and really want. Being sincere to yourself and without judgement, there's so much to discover.