It's that time of year again when the presents have all been opened, the traditional Christmas movies have all been watched, you've finally accepted you shouldn't have had that second plate of turkey, and - hopefully - the rows over what happened at Christmas dinner have all been forgotten, at least for now.
So, what better way to relax in the down days between Christmas and the New Year than by having a look back at previously hidden insights into what Ireland and the world was like 30 years ago.
Every January, the National Archives of Ireland releases tens of thousands of documents transferred to it by government departments, which showcase what was really going on behind the scenes in past generations. And every December, they give media outlets a sneak peak at what's on offer.
Known as the State Papers, the files include letters, communications, private briefing notes, secret government documents, fax messages and e-mails relating to stories that were known at the time and others that somehow didn't see the light of day until now.
The files are made public under two existing laws - the National Archives Act 1986, and the National Archives (Amendment) Act, 2018.
The 1986 law effectively says that once an official document is 30 years older or more, it must be released to the National Archives and therefore made publicly available.
This means that government files from 1995 are being released in the coming days, as well as some other files from earlier years which have either been misfiled over the years or relate in some way to incidents in 1995.
The 2018 law is slightly different, and was introduced in order to ensure that the Republic of Ireland's file releases kept pace with those of Britain during the sensitive paramilitary ceasefires, peace talks and eventual peace process era.
Under this second law, Anglo-Irish records relating to Northern Ireland can also be released if they are 20 years old or more, meaning files from up to 2005 can be made public.
Among the documents being released this year are those from the Department of the Taoiseach, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Justice, and the Office of the Attorney General, among others.
But enough of all that technical mumbo jumbo, let's talk about what you really want to know: what revelations are in the files this year. After all, nothing says Christmas more than a little bit of scandal being dragged up from the past.
As part of RTÉ's coverage of the files on our online, radio, social media and TV platforms, we will be publishing and broadcasting the most eye-catching stories from this year's State Papers.
Tuesday's file releases include coverage where Billy Wright's father accused government of 'selective justice' and Fallout over 2003 publication of Stakeknife's identity.
A mix-up over concert tickets led to an 'Embarrassing situation' over limited U2 tickets in 1987, while diplomatic matters found an Irish Ambassador frustrated with the government's attitude to a $1bn Saudi investment.
Threats from IRA mortars put Crossmaglen security forces morale 'at low ebb' in 1994 while in 1993 proposed SIPO legislation was opposed by some Fianna Fáil ministers.
Among yesterday's file releases are details on tensions between Irish and UK governments after Stormontgate raid [based on document 2025/127/105] and how Garda reserve numbers were 'insufficient' during 1995 Lansdowne Road riot [based on documents 2025/124/180 and 2025/124/178].
We also see how the Attorney General believed Fianna Fáil ministers intended to mislead Dáil over Smyth scandal [files: 2025/115/977; 2025/115/980 and 2025/115/981] and hear that Irish embassy officials gave thousands of pounds worth of World Cup 1994 tickets to Irish fans left stranded and ticket-less in Florida [based on documents 2025/124/180 and 2025/124/178]
The papers also reveal that the Government considered legal action over Sellafield nuclear plant [based on document 2025-115-541] and overcrowding and lack of beds was a major issue at Limerick hospital in 1980 [Based on document 2025/161/17]
Other matters covered include news that Taoiseach Bertie Ahern turned down an invitation to host a visit from the British Navy's vessel the Ark Royal at Dublin Port in 2003 [based on document 2025/127/106] and that the Provisional IRA laundered tens of millions through Northern Ireland construction sector [based on document 2023/50/387].
Among Sunday's file releases were details on how Ireland's ambassador to the Holy See was given a specific briefing on how to explain the reasons for the 1995 divorce referendum to the Vatican (2025/115/85, 2025/115/86, 2025/115/82, 2025/115/830, 2025/115/84, 2025/1/1090 and 2025/115/830) and details that how US politicians viewed the Northern Ireland peace process following the 11 September attacks in 2001 was a matter of concern for Irish officials (2023/50/525).
Other files yesterday include revelations that Government plans to temporarily block mobile phone networks to prevent a bomb being set off in Northern Ireland by a call or text message in the Republic were opposed by some telecom companies (2025/120/37) , how a 1995 Jewish cemetery attack caused the Irish government serious concern (2025/115/932, 2025/124/352 and 2025/124/345]) and even suggestions from Chinese officials that a trip by a giant panda to Dublin Zoo may have contributed to its death (2025/124/1).
Among Saturday's files was the somewhat panicked response to NASA's decision to "ask" Ireland to designate Shannon Airport as an emergency crash landing zone for the space shuttle (2025/124/266); US officials' reluctance for then US president Bill Clinton to shake Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams' hand in 1995 (2025/115/827) as well as claims Mr Clinton's Irish heritage was "a fantasy" (2025/166/11; 2025/124/3; 2025/124/5; 2025/124/391); and a belief Princess Diana might try to "upstage" Prince Charles visit to Ireland with one of her own later in the year (2025/124/160).
Separately, 20-year rule Northern Ireland files include briefings on how British officials believed the "top man" behind the Northern Bank robbery was "too clever" to be caught (2025/127/90); discrimination concerns over British plans to introduce ID cards in Northern Ireland (2025/125/161); and a previously unknown diplomatic incident after musician Christy Moore was locked in a room during questioning while travelling to England (2025/127/1).
And importantly for anyone out there who wants to see the records for themselves, we have good news:
All stories include the folio number relating to each file they are based on.
This means that when the archives are formally made available for public inspection at the National Archives offices in Bishop Street, Dublin 8, from Friday 2 January, you will be able to see the original notes, scribbles and in some cases poorly chosen words for yourself.
Provided, of course, you have applied for a reader's ticket from the archives office itself and agree to act within the rules and conditions (don't worry, they're friendly and it's painless).
Happy hunting.
