How Should I Spend December?

As December rolls in, it’s time to reflect on the year that was, celebrate the joys, and prepare for the new beginnings that lie ahead. In the flurry of holiday tasks, it’s easy to forget to pause and savor these precious moments. So how should we spend December?

Instead of rushing through a packed to-do list, take some time to relax and reflect. Here are my recommendations.

1. Reflecting on the Year Gone By: A Moment for Gratitude and Growth

December is the end of a year, also a start of new year.  so it's a great time for refelcting the past year and look at yourself in a new way. Take some time to journal or have a conversation with someone close to you about your year. Ask yourself: What have I learned in 2024? What moments of joy and laughter do I want to hold onto? This kind of reflection isn’t about perfection; it’s about appreciation for the journey.

As you reflect, you might realize that you’ve achieved more than you thought you would. Or, perhaps you’ve faced a setback—but the fact that you are here, standing, breathing, and ready to turn the page, is something worth celebrating in itself.

If you’re unsure where to begin, here are a few questions you may start: 

• What are three moments of growth that stand out to you this year? 
• What are five things you’re grateful for as 2024 comes to a close? 
• How have you shown kindness to others, and how has it come back to you?

To guide your reflections, Day One is an excellent journaling app, while Gratitude lets you record your thankful moments in an easy, visual format. By reviewing your achievements and challenges, you might find that you’ve grown more than you realize. 

2. Finding Joy in Holiday Traditions: Creating New Memories 

December means traditions for many. We think of gingerbread houses, holiday meals, movies by the fire, or even volunteering. These traditions help us feel grounded during the holidays. It's easy to focus on buying things. But traditions remind us the most important things are: family, connection, and memories.

This year, try to make traditions more meaningful. Instead of buying gifts, give experiences. Go see holiday lights or visit a museum with loved ones. Have a cozy night sharing stories and old photos. Start a new tradition, like donating to charity or volunteering together.

Apps like Eventbrite can help you find local events like holiday markets, light displays, or charitable causes you can participate in. If you're looking to create a cozy home environment, don't forget Pinterest, which is full of creative ideas for new family traditions, from holiday crafts to simple DIY gifts, everything.

3. Preparing for the New Year: Setting Intentions, Not Resolutions

The new year often means new goals, like losing weight or saving money. But these resolutions often don't last. Instead of making a long list of goals, think about your intentions. 

Intentions are about how you want to be, not just what you want to achieve. For example, you might intend to focus on self-care. This could mean taking more walks, sleeping better, or saying no to extra commitments. Or, you might intend to be kinder to yourself and others, practicing patience, gratitude, and empathy. This December, think about what you want in the new year. 

What do you need? 

What kind of person do you want to become in 2025? 

These questions can help you create intentions that match your values. This gives you something to aim for without the pressure of being perfect.

Fabulous is an excellent app for habit-building, helping you track your intentions like mindfulness, fitness, or sleep routines. It also offers daily reminders to help you stay on track with your goals for the new year. 

4.Mindfulness and meditations: Finding Peace Amidst the Chaos 

December can often feel overwhelming with all the social events, shopping, and holiday preparations. Yet, finding time for stillness and peace is just as important. Whether it’s reading a good book, meditating, or enjoying the quiet of a snowy evening, these moments of solitude are vital for recharging your mental health. 

To help bring some calm into your life, Insight Timer offers guided meditation and calming music, perfect for those moments when you need to unplug. Or, use Kindle to unwind with a good book and escape into a world of fiction, letting your mind take a break from the holiday hustle.

By integrating these apps into your December routine, you can balance the busyness of the season with moments of mindfulness, joy, and reflection. This holiday season, let’s embrace the quiet moments, reflect on the past year, and set intentions that help us step into 2025 with purpose and peace.