We’re barely out of the Thanksgiving leftovers and already diving headfirst into all things Christmas. And this year, with the holidays falling a little closer together, it feels like we’ve been tossed straight from turkey to tinsel overnight. The calendar flips to December, school ramps back up for those last few weeks, and suddenly the invites, concerts, work deadlines, and “Don’t forget we have…” reminders start stacking up.
It’s easy to get swept up in the shuffle. Between end-of-year everything and the pressure to make the season magical, the weeks can slip by before we’ve even had a moment to catch our breath — or make the memories we hoped for.
That’s exactly why this week, we’re focusing on a simple December Reset: a few gentle guidelines to help your family slow down, stay grounded, and keep the meaningful moments from getting lost in the rush. These ideas aren’t about doing more — they’re about creating intentional space so the holiday magic doesn’t slip by before you’ve had the chance to experience it together.
1. Choose Your Family’s “Big Three” Traditions
Instead of trying to squeeze in every festive idea, sit down together and pick the three traditions that matter most this year.
Maybe it’s baking cookies, driving around to see lights, decorating together, or having a cozy movie night.
Let these be the anchor points. Everything else becomes optional — which instantly takes the pressure down a notch.
2. Build in One Cozy Night Each Week
December gets busy fast, so claim one evening a week as a “cozy night” before the calendar fills itself.
Think:
- pajamas
- hot cocoa
- a puzzle or board game
- reading by the tree
- listening to holiday music
Parents often tell us these become their children’s favorite memories of the entire season.
3. Set Screen Time Expectations Before Break Begins
As routines shift and late nights creep in, screens tend to do the same. Before the holiday break kicks off, decide as a family what screen time looks like for the next few weeks.
Try a simple plan:
- school nights: normal boundaries
- weekends: one family movie + one game hour
- holiday break: flexible but still structured
Predictability helps keep everyone grounded during a high-energy month.
4. Add One New Low-Stress Tradition
New traditions don’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful. A few ideas that take almost no prep:
- create a “gratitude ornament” each week
- start a kindness countdown
- pick a holiday “song of the day” for the whole month
- choose a special family photo challenge
Little touches often become the things kids remember most.
5. Try Quick Weeknight Moments That Don’t Require Planning
Busy nights don’t mean you have to skip the memories. A few 10–20 minute ideas:
- make paper snowflakes
- decorate a door or window
- bake slice-and-bake cookies
- read a short holiday book
- create a silly “hot cocoa tasting”
Small sparks of fun add up to something bigger.
6. Embrace the Power of “Good Enough”
Store-bought treats? Perfect.
Last year’s gift bags? Use them.
Tree ornaments clumped together on one branch? A sign of a happy helper.
Letting go of perfection gives everyone more space to actually enjoy the moments in front of them — and kids notice that energy.
7. Build in Breathing Room Before the Month Fills Up
Take a look at the month ahead and intentionally block off at least one rest period each week — a slow morning, a no-plans evening, or a family do-nothing day.
Rest isn’t wasted time. It’s the reset that lets your family soak in the good stuff.
8. Capture Memories Intentionally, Not Constantly
Take the photos that matter, but give yourself permission to put the phone away, too. Kids feel our presence more than they care about perfect pictures.
Sometimes the best memories never make it to the camera roll — and that’s okay.
A Gentle December Reminder
The holidays feel magical to kids not because of packed schedules or perfect decorations, but because of connection. The first week of December is your moment to set the tone — to decide that this season will be meaningful, cozy, and centered on what matters most to your family.
Here’s to slowing down, savoring the season, and making room for the memories that last.
