December always arrives with its own special kind of magic—and yes, a little chaos. Mailboxes overflow, cookies bake on repeat, and gift wrap takes over every spare corner of the house. But as the year winds down, there’s an undeniable pull toward slowness: softer mornings, nostalgic rituals, and the simple joy of cozying up with the people (and practices) that make us feel grounded.
This year, instead of rushing through the season, I’m giving myself permission to celebrate the quiet, meaningful moments that make December feel so magical. That’s the spirit behind this list: 31 intentional things to do in December—one small, joyful ritual for every day of the month. Think of it as a gentle guide to savoring the season, reconnecting with yourself, and ending the year with presence.
31 Festive Things to Do in December
Ask yourself: What will make me happy this month? What will help me feel more connected, more inspired, more at ease? Let this list be the nudge you need to slow down and savor all the goodness that exists right here, right now.
Let’s make this December one to remember. I’ll see you in 2026.
Cozy Winter Rituals
1. Put up your Advent calendar. Whether it’s filled with chocolates, tiny gifts, or handwritten notes, this small daily moment of delight sets a cozy, joyful tone.
2. Set your intention for the month. Start the season with a grounding moment: pour a warm drink, light a candle, and write a letter to your January 2026 self. Reflect on what you’ve learned, what you’re letting go of, and what you hope to welcome in the year ahead.
3. Decorate your home. Deck the halls with garlands, twinkle lights, and greenery. Transform your space into a soft, inviting retreat where you actually want to slow down.
4. Break out the Christmas pajamas. Matching optional—coziness required. Bonus points if you take a photo with family or friends.
5. Make a festive breakfast. Gingerbread cinnamon rolls, a cranberry loaf, or your favorite seasonal muffins: December mornings deserve a little extra sweetness.
6. Read a holiday-themed book. Lose yourself in a feel-good romance or heartwarming classic. December is reading season.
7. Have a holiday self-care night. When the calendar fills up, intentionally block off an evening to recharge. Think warm baths, winter skincare, twinkly lights, and zero guilt.
8. Bake monkey bread. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and dangerously delicious—basically the definition of holiday joy.
9. Start a puzzle. Clear a table, turn on a playlist, and savor the slow rhythm of piece-by-piece progress.
10. Create your holiday playlist. Mix classics, cozy indie picks, and a little Bublé. Let it score the rest of your month.
Ways to Embrace the Season
11. Watch your favorite holiday movie. Whether you’re team The Holiday (same) or Little Women, lean all the way into the coziness.
12. Visit a holiday market. Browse handmade goods, taste festive treats, and soak in the glow of twinkle lights.
13. Tour your city’s lights. Bundle up and walk—or drive—through the neighborhoods that go all out. This one never gets old.
14. Go ice skating. You don’t have to be good to have fun. In fact, the wobbling is part of the charm.
15. Sip a seasonal drink at a local café. Order something cozy and linger. Peppermint hot chocolate season is too short not to. (Alternatively, set up a café at home.)
16. Stroll past holiday window displays. Treat them like little art installations and take in the whimsy.
17. See The Nutcracker. High school production or professional company—it’s pure December magic.
18. Cozy up at a fireplace bar or coffee shop. Warm drink, crackling fire, soft lighting. This is the winter aesthetic at its best.
19. Make gifts for your neighbors. A small homemade treat or thoughtful note spreads joy in the simplest, sweetest way.
20. Shop small for holiday gifts. Support the shops and makers in your community—and enjoy a less chaotic shopping experience.
Acts of Joy and Reflection
21. Host a holiday cookie swap. Gather friends, bake your favorites, and leave with a tin full of treats. The easiest December gathering ever. Here’s exactly how to plan your cookie swap.
22. Have an old-school snow day. Snowball fights, sledding, snow angels… The only rule is to let yourself feel like a kid again.
23. Volunteer or donate. Adopt a family, share coats, donate gifts—this is what the season is really about.
24. Read holiday stories together. Whether it’s The Polar Express or The Snowy Day, embrace the nostalgic warmth of reading aloud.
25. Slow down and savor. Whatever your day looks like, take a breath and soak in the moments that matter.
26. Make a nostalgic holiday treat. Peppermint bark, puppy chow, slice-and-bake cookies… choose whatever tastes like childhood.
27. Reflect on your year with someone you love. Talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
28. Watch a classic holiday movie you missed. One last cozy viewing before the season winds down.
29. Do random acts of kindness. Hold the door, buy someone’s coffee, leave a kind note. Tiny gestures, big warmth.
30. Refresh your space for the new year. Clear surfaces, wash bedding, and declutter a little. Set the stage for a calmer start to 2026.
31. Close the year with gratitude. Write down ten things you’re grateful for from the past year. Light a candle and toast to the days ahead.
The Final Word
As this month unfolds, let these small rituals help you slow down, reconnect, and savor the beauty woven throughout every day of December. Whether you’re embracing cozy nights at home, celebrating with loved ones, or carving out quiet moments just for you, each day offers a chance to end the year with meaning.
Here’s to joy, intention, nostalgia, and a month filled with all the magic you choose to make.
This post was last updated on December 1, 2025, to include new insights.
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