The holidays are an opportunity to make family traditions. They can bring us closer to one another and lure us towards joy. But we have to be intentional. It is easy to add to that long list of to do’s during this time. Pair that with the sped up pace through the new year and well, the holidays can be life-sucking.
I am proposing a list of 24 activities that are simple and enjoyable. I get it, I am adding one more thing to your day but here me out. Commit to one simple activity each day that will connect you with your little ones and bring peace back into your home.
The greatest gift of the season can be your intention of presence and connection with one another. Any looming expectations of what your holiday should look like can be discarded. That is right, you have permission to go ahead and X out whatever you don't need to take up your time and energy for the remainder of the year. Make room for what really matters. Slow down and enjoy what this time brings.
I will let you in on a little secret. I like to write Santa’s message each night after my littles are tucked in bed. I can make our daily rhythm convenient, pleasurable, and suited to our needs. Come back to your grandeur purpose and priorities in life. Take a little time to reflect on what holiday's will mean to your children 10 years from now. For me, it is a value in togetherness. It's the spark of creativity and magic through crafting and imagination. It's the joy and love that comes from giving.
Each day's activity can be tweaked in any fashion to suit your home. This is our 24 days until Christmas countdown but perhaps for you it is 24 days until the winter solstice? Either way, here are 24 mindful activities you can do to embrace the holidays.
It’s even more fun romanticizing these little moments. Just maybe you end up by your wood fire, curled up on the couch with blankets, by candlelight, or with holiday music behind the scenes. These will make your ordinary simple activities memorable. I hope this list gives you, Mama, one less thing to think about and fills in some beautiful moments with those you love.
Find the perfect Christmas tree
Decorate the Christmas tree
Paint pinecones
Popcorn and a holiday movie night
Wear pajamas ALL DAY LONG
Decorate sugar cookies with Grandma
Make holiday cards
Declutter toys and goodwill drop off
Make gingerbread cookies
Make paper snowflakes to hang in the windows
Listen to holiday music & sing along to Christmas carols
Go outside and make a snow angel
Make a home cooked meal for the family
Read all of the holiday books in the house
Play board games
Make Christmas salt dough ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree
Read about how other countries celebrate Christmas
Random act of kindness
Make hot cocoa
Celebrate winter scavenger hunt
Make your own gift wrap then wrap a gift
Make homemade candles to gift
Feed the birds or find an animal to give a treat
Make seasonal potpourri on the stove
