A joyful to do list for December 2020
For most of us, December is usually the busiest time of year. Frantically wrapping up work before the Christmas break, hopping between endless gatherings and social commitments, and rushing around to make sure everything is all sorted for the festive period.
This year though, things are bound to be a little different. Ongoing restrictions and social distancing requirements mean that so many of the usual traditions, from Christmas markets to nativity plays, have had to be cancelled, which means that December is suddenly looking a whole lot quieter.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t still make the most of all of the magic and joy this month has to offer, and that’s exactly what I’m concentrating on in this joyful to do list...
Plan some advent activities
With more time on our hands this December, my husband and I have decided to make an activity advent calendar. We’ve planned a fun festive activity for each day in the run up to Christmas, and I just know it’s going to make the month so much more exciting. We’ve included things like watching Christmas movies, baking yummy treats, going on some of our favourite wintery walks and watching a few festive concerts and plays online. Why not make your own activity advent calendar?
Decorate for Christmas
One of my favourite things to do in December is bring all my Christmas decorations down from the loft and make our house look as festive as possible! I love burning festive candles, seeing a pretty wreath hanging on the door or reading my book while the fairy lights twinkle on the tree, and it definitely makes this month feel all the more magical.
Give back
This year has been a hard one for so many reasons, and I have no doubt that there are so many people who will be struggling this Christmas. I always try to give back in some way at this time of year, and right now, it feels more important than ever. If you can help in some way it can make such a huge difference, so why not consider doing a grocery shop to drop off at the foodbank, raising money for a cause that’s important to you, checking in on a neighbour or volunteering to help somebody who needs it?
Get cosy and practice hygge
While we all focus on the exciting bits of December, it’s easy to forget that it’s the darkest (and often coldest!) time of the year, too. Make the most of it by planning a cosy night in at home - think candle light, snug blankets and your very favourite PJs. It’s a lovely way to honour the darkest days of the year, but it’ll also be a welcome antidote to all of the chaos that this year has brought.
Read something festive
We all watch Christmas films at this time of year, but reading something festive can be equally great for getting into the mood! Make a cuppa (or pour a glass of Baileys), curl up on the sofa, and get stuck into a good old Christmas story. I always re-read A Christmas Carol in December, and I’ve been working my way through Nigel Slater’s The Christmas Chronicles, too.
Reflect on 2020
Before the month ends and a brand new year rolls around, take some time out to reflect on this crazy year. What did 2020 teach you? What are you feeling proud of? Is there anything you’d like to let go of before January begins? Reflecting on the year gone by will help you to set better goals and plans for the new one ahead. And if you need any help with doing that, I’m running a workshop that might help!
Be in the moment
Finally, the last thing on my joyful to do list for December is to simply be in the moment. This year we’ve all spent a lot of time reflecting on the past and worrying about the future, so try to spend this coming month living in the present. Whatever the festive season ends up looking like, slow down, soak it up and savour it. Enjoy every precious memory you make - if you really commit to being in the moment, those memories will last forever.
What’s on your to do list for December?
