December always brings its own special kind of magic – and yes, a little chaos. Mailboxes overflow, cookies are baked over and over again, and gift wrapping takes up every corner of the house. But as the year winds down, there’s an undeniable stick towards the slownowss: soft rituals, silly customs, and the simple pleasures of meeting people (and rituals) that make us feel set.
This year, instead of rushing through the season, I’m giving myself permission to celebrate the quiet, meaningful moments that make you feel magical. That’s the Spirit behind this list: 31 Intentional Things to Do in December – one small, fun ritual every day of the month. Think of it as a gentle guide to discovering the season, connecting 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 relaxed? Let this list be the nudge you need to slow down and enjoy all the goodness that is here, right now.
Let’s do this in December and someone will remember. I’ll see you in 2026.
Winter traditions are cozy
1. Set up your Advent calendar. Whether it’s full of chocolate, small gifts, or handwritten notes, this small daily moment of joy sets a cozy, happy tone.
2. Set your goal for the month. Start the season with a basic moment: pour a warm drink, light a candle, write a letter to your January in January 2026. Think about what you have learned, what allows you to go, and what you hope to receive in the next year.
3. Decorate your home. Dress up the halls with garlands, twinkling lights, and greenery. Transform your space into a soft, inviting retreat where you wish to slow down.
4. Get out the Christmas pajamas. Consistency of choice is required. Bonus points if you take a photo with family or friends.
5. Make a holiday breakfast. Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls, cranberry bread, or your favorite muffins:
6. Read a holiday book. Lose yourself in an idea that feels or excites you. December is learning period.
7. Have a night of holiday self-care. When the calendar fills up, it intentionally blocks the evening so that it can be activated again. Think warm baths, winter skincare, twinkly lights, and zero sensation.
8. Bake monkey bread. It’s frivolous, comforting and sweet and dangerous – basically the definition of holiday happiness.
9. Start the puzzle. Clear the table, open the playlist, and enjoy the fast rhythm of the piece’s progress.
10. Create your own holiday playlist. Mix classics, cozy indie curtains, and a little bublé. Let’s get the rest of your month.
Ways to Find a Season
11. Watch your favorite holiday movie. That you are a team A holiday (similar) or Little womenwhich depends entirely on governance.
12. Visit a holiday market. Browse the handmade goods, taste the festive treats, and soak up the glow of the twinkle lights.
13. Look at the lights of your city. Pull up and walk – or drive – through the neighbors who are all walking. This one never gets old.
14. Go snowmobiling. You don’t have to be beautiful to have fun. In fact, the webbling is part of the charm.
15. Drink the drink of the year at a local resort. Order something cool and durable. Peppermint’s hot peppermint season is too short to know. (Alternatively, set up a cafe at home.)
16. Stroll past the holidays at the Holiday Window. Treat them like a small art installation and take the white.
17. See The Nutcracker. The production of a high school or a suitable company – in pure magic.
18. Cozy up at the fire line or coffee shop. A warm drink, a roaring fire, soft lighting. This is a very good night.
19. Make gifts for your neighbors. A small homemade treat or thoughtful note spreads happiness in the simplest, sweetest way.
20. Buy less for holiday gifts. Support the shops and makers in your community – and enjoy more quirky experiences.
Joyful actions and displays
21. Check out the holiday cookie. Gather friends, bake your favorites, and leave with a tin full of treats. The easiest gathering is in December. Here’s exactly how to set up your own cookie exchange.
22. Have an old school snow day. Snowball fights, melting, snow angels … the only rule is to let yourself feel like a child again.
23. Volunteer or donate. Bring the family, share coats, give gifts – this is what the season is all about.
24. Read holiday stories together. Even thought The Polar Express or It’s a snow dayembrace the nostalgic warmth of reading aloud.
25. Slow down and breathe. No matter what your day is like, take a breath and soak in the moments that matter.
26. Do silly holiday therapy. Peppermint Bark, Puppy Chow, Slice-And-Bake Cookies… Pick whatever you like as a kid.
27. Think about your year with the person you love. Talk about the highs, and everything in between.
28. Watch a classic holiday movie you missed. The last perfect preview before the season adjourns.
29. Do random acts of kindness. Hold the door, buy someone a coffee, leave a kind note. Small touch, big warmth.
30. Refresh your space for the new year. Wipe the clear area, wash the bed, and cut a little. Set the first calm phase in 2026.
31. End the year with gratitude. Write down ten things you are grateful for from the past year. Light a candle and toast until beforehand.
The last word
As this month unfolds, let these little complications help you slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the beauty of December every day. Whether you welcome a good night at home, celebrate with loved ones, or call for quiet moments for yourself, each day offers an opportunity to end the year with meaning and meaning.
Here’s to joy, purpose, nostalgia, and a month filled with all the magic you choose.
This post was last updated on December 1, 2025, to include new insights.