December always comes with its own special kind of magic and, yes, a little chaos. Mailboxes are overflowing, cookies are baked over and over again, and wrapping paper takes over every free corner of the house. But as the year draws to a close, there’s an undeniable trend toward slowness: softer mornings, nostalgic rituals, and the simple joy of hanging out 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 seem so magical. That’s the spirit behind this list: 31 Intentional Things to Do in December: A Joyful Little 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, and more at ease? Let this list be the push you need to slow down and savor all the goodness that exists here and now.
Let’s make this December one to remember. I’ll see you in 2026.
Cozy winter rituals
1. Prepare your Advent calendar. Whether filled with chocolates, small gifts or handwritten notes, this small daily moment of delight sets a welcoming and cheerful tone.
2. Set your intention for the month. Start the season with a grounding moment: pour yourself a hot drink, light a candle, and write a letter to yourself in January 2026. Reflect on what you’ve learned, what you’re letting go, and what you hope to receive in the year ahead.
3. Decorate your home. Decorate the halls with garlands, twinkling lights and greenery. Transform your space into a soft, cozy haven where you really want to slow down.
4. Take out the Christmas pajamas. Matching optional: comfort required. Bonus points if you take a photo with family or friends.
5. Prepare a festive breakfast. Ginger and cinnamon rolls, blueberry bread or your favorite seasonal muffins: December mornings deserve a little more sweetness.
6. Read a Christmas-themed book. Lose yourself in a feel-good romance or a heartwarming classic. December is reading season.
7. Have a holiday night of self-care. When the calendar fills up, it is necessary to reserve an afternoon to recharge. Think hot baths, winter skin care, twinkling lights, and zero guilt.
8. Bake monkey bread. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and dangerously delicious—basically the definition of Christmas cheer.
9. Start a puzzle. Clear a table, turn on a playlist, and savor the slow pace of progress piece by piece.
10. Create your Christmas playlist. Mix classics, cozy indie selections and a little Bublé. Let it mark the rest of your month.
Ways to embrace the season
11. Watch your favorite Christmas movie. If you are a team the holidays (same) or Little Womenlean completely into comfort.
12. Visit a Christmas market. Explore handmade products, sample festive treats, and soak in the glow of twinkling lights.
13. Tour the lights of your city. Bundle up and walk (or drive) through neighborhoods that go above and beyond. This one never goes out of style.
14. Go ice skating. You don’t have to be good to have fun. In fact, the wobble is part of the charm.
15. Enjoy a seasonal drink at a local coffee shop. Order something cozy and stay. Peppermint hot chocolate season is too short not to make it. (Alternatively, set up a coffee shop at home.)
16. The walk is adapted to the Christmas window displays. Treat them as small art installations and indulge your fantasy.
17.See The nutcracker. High school production or professional company: it’s pure December magic.
18. Settle into a bar with a fireplace or a coffee shop. Hot drink, crackling fire, dim lighting. This is the winter aesthetic at its finest.
19. Give gifts for your neighbors. A small homemade gift or thoughtful note spreads joy in the simplest and sweetest way.
20. Buy small Christmas gifts. Support the stores and makers in your community and enjoy a less chaotic shopping experience.
Acts of joy and reflection
21. Host a Christmas cookie exchange. Grab your friends, bake your favorites, and leave with a tin full of deliciousness. The easiest December meeting ever. Here’s exactly how to plan your cookie exchange.
22. Have a snow day old school style. Snowball fights, sleigh rides, snow angels… The only rule is to feel like a child again.
23. Volunteer or donate. Adopting a family, sharing coats, donating gifts – this is what this season is really all about.
24. Read Christmas stories together. Whether it is The polar express either The snowy dayEmbrace the nostalgic warmth of reading aloud.
25. Slow down and savor. Whatever your day, breathe and enjoy the moments that matter.
26. Give a nostalgic Christmas gift. Peppermint bark, puppy food, cut-and-bake cookies… choose whatever tastes like childhood to you.
27. Reflect on your year with someone you love. Talk about the ups and downs and everything in between.
28. Watch a classic Christmas movie you missed. One last cozy glimpse before the season ends.
29. Do random acts of kindness. Hold the door, buy someone coffee, leave a kind note. Small gestures, great warmth.
30. Refresh your space for the new year. Wipe down surfaces, wash bedding, and tidy up a bit. Set the stage for a calmer start to 2026.
31. Close the year with gratitude. Write down ten things you are grateful for from the past year. Light a candle and toast the days to come.
The last word
As this month progresses, let these small rituals help you slow down, reconnect, and savor the beauty woven throughout each day of December. Whether you’re enjoying cozy nights at home, celebrating with loved ones, or creating quiet moments just for yourself, each day offers a chance to end the year with meaning.
For 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.
