How to Make the Week Between Christmas and New Years Great
As a blogger and influencer, November and December are VERY busy for me, so starting about five or six years ago, I made it a priority to take two weeks off for the holidays.
This is when my kids are out of school and my husband’s work schedule is much lighter too and I look forward to this break all year long!
Last time I mentioned this, I got a flood of questions asking how to make that week between Christmas and New Year’s fun great.
It’s kind of a strange week for many of us with everyone home and not a lot of plans after the rush of pre-Christmas December. And for some people it can be kind of a sad week with the fun of Christmas over and not a lot to look forward to after that.
I asked my Instagram community about their best ideas on how to make the most of this week and they had some fantastic ideas!
Here are some suggestions!
Have no guilt about doing nothing/zero expectations
I wasn’t surprised to see that this was the top recommendation! If there is any week to give yourself permission to do nothing…this is the week! After weeks of holiday preparations, parties, and family visits, it’s okay to rest. Don’t feel guilty for skipping the to-do list – embrace it! I always think of it as a time to rest so I can hit the ground running come January.
Spend extra time with family and friends
This was another one that was repeatedly suggested – and one that I want to make sure I have time for too! This is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy quality moments with loved ones. Spend time chatting with family members you haven’t seen in a while, or reconnect with old friends who are in town. Whether it’s a cozy dinner, a winter walk, or simply gathering around and playing a board game, this extra time with family and friends will not be forgotten. Two years ago, some friends invited us and another family over for snacks in the afternoon and we sat around chatting and laughing with our kids playing for so long that we ended up ordering takeout for dinner so we could all stay. It was magic!
Be spontaneous
This is not my normal nature but this week feels like the perfect time to say “should we go out to dinner?” or “lets text some friends and see who can come over for a game night” or “how about we watch a family movie at 10 a.m.?” The whole week kind of feels like a YES week to me!
Prepare for the New Year
I set goals for each new year (you can see all of my past goals here) and the week between Christmas and New Year is a great time to think about the year to come and reflect on the year that has passed. I also like to get a jump start on any goals by starting them the week before the New Year (something my mom taught me). I usually just pick 1-2 things to start early, that way it won’t feel so overwhelming come January 1.
Clean, purge, and fix-up the house
A fresh, tidy, and functional home can help you feel ready for the new year. Tackle the household clutter and clean up after the holiday chaos. This might be a good time to purge old items, clean out closets, or organize the pantry. And if you’ve been putting off small home improvement projects, now’s the perfect opportunity to tackle them.
Don’t forget about the food
Food was another topic that came up A LOT! You are my people! Many suggestions included taking the time to make fun new recipes, having lots of good snacks on hand for grazing, making treats together as a family, and taking this week to batch cook so you won’t have to cook so much in the following weeks. I can get on board with all of these ideas! We almost always host a fondue party on New Year’s Eve which is so fun for adults and kids alike!
Get out of the house
After a season of hosting gingerbread parties and being cozy inside, it’s so refreshing to leave the house and get moving. You better believe I will be out on the ski slope during this week! This is a great week to take advantage of the quieter time of year and visit places that might be less crowded than usual. Some followers mentioned going to a family cabin, going hiking, ice skating, or visiting museums. You can’t beat a change of scenery or some fresh air to really feel more energized.
Let the kids take charge
If you have kids, this is a great time to let them take the lead. What are they envisioning the week to look like? Let them help plan meals and organize some games or activities. Maybe it’s playing with Christmas gifts, staying in pajamas, and hosting an impromptu talent show. Maybe they plan a family movie night, a craft project, or even a little outdoor adventure. Letting them take charge empowers them and it also gives you a chance to relax and enjoy their creativity and excitement.
Do things that actually bring you joy
Whether it’s playing board games as a family, doing a puzzle by the fire, painting watercolors, baking, or watching any Christmas movies you missed, make sure you carve out time to do things that you actually like to do! Life is too short not to.
Plan time off
Since the kids have school off, it’s nice to plan to have time off too! One follower said she likes to book a babysitter who is on school break so she can go on an afternoon date with her husband. And another mentioned “I take solo turns with my husband so we each get personal time”.
Take a social media break
This one is always hard for me because my job is on social media, but this is a week where I’m much more unplugged and I love it.
Have a planning date
My husband and I set aside a morning or afternoon each year during this week to go out for a few hours and spend time planning for the year ahead. We look at our finances, our travel plans, our personal and shared goals and our businesses and make sure we’re on the same page for the coming year. It is one of my favorite traditions! (I have a whole post about it here).
I’d love to hear how you make the week between Christmas and New Year’s feel special and fun!
I love these ideas! Especially “do things that actually bring you Joy”. Thank you for sharing.