Ahhh…Christmas. The warm glow of lights, all the yummy food and treats, the time with family and friends, all things I love and enjoy….especially during the last week of the year.

December can start to feel like A LOT. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the to-do list, dates and obligations. It’s all things that most of us enjoy, but are condensed into a somewhat crazy few weeks. Throw on top of that, the food and drinks and late nights and it’s no wonder things can start to feel less than jolly. Which is why I love the time between December 27-January 1st…the last week of the year.

The pressure is off…the shopping, wrapping and preparations are done. In my house the tree stays up till January 1st, so the house still feels cozy and pretty, but now I can sit by the tree without my mind racing to the long list of things I should be doing.  The fridge is full of leftovers and treats, there is usually a book under the tree waiting to be read, and if you’re lucky you may have some time off to just sit and enjoy it all.

In the over-scheduled world we live in, there are not may weeks when it’s acceptable to just relax and have Bailey’s…or Homemade Irish Cream... in our coffee whenever we please! We need to make the most of this time!

It certainly feels good to start the new year as renewed and refreshed as we can! Here are a few of the things I like to do during this last week of the year to make the most of the holiday season.

10 Things to Do During the Last Week of the Year

1. Take One Whole Day Off

For me this day is usually December 27th. We are just finished three full days of family and hosting and on December 27th I make it a Treat Day. I often will stay in my pajamas all day, there will be several naps, some reading by the fire, maybe watch a movie, and of course, heating up leftovers. It’s glorious and something I really need. I look forward to this day all year. 🙂

2. Read a book

I hear a lot of people say they don’t read as much as they used to. This little thing called “the internet” seemed to cut into a lot of people’s reading time…mine included. I have a stack of good books in my room at all time just calling my name, I just need to commit time to reading again. This last week is a perfect time to shut down the technology and social media and get lost in a good book. On my reading list for this week is Barbara Kingslover’s  latest…Unsheltered.

3. Go for a Walk on the Beach

I feel very fortunate to live so close to many beaches here on the South Shore, which we enjoy immensely in the summertime. However there is something so beautiful and invigorating about walking the on the Beach in the winter.  It’s easy to spend more time indoors during our Canadian winters, but spending some time on the beach will clear your mind and get you some exercise at the same time. I highly recommend it.

4.  Host a Games Night

It seems like a lot of families get a new Board game over the Holidays…us included. On Christmas Day we always spend our evening playing a Board Game and those are the memories we always think of…not the gifts…but the laughter and fun times. This week is a perfect time to invite friends over for a games night or just have one at home with your own family. Games nights are a lot of fun! This is one of our favorites…

5.  Go skating

What says winter and Christmas Break more than ice skating? Our weather is up and down in December so planning for an outdoor skate may not always happen, but we are fortunate to have several rinks close by that offer Holiday public skates…often free! The LCLC and Queens Place have a few planned for this week and there is always The Oval in Halifax as well.

6. Watch a Movie…or a Series

I’m not a really big TV watcher and very seldom watch movies, so this one always feels like a treat to me. One year I got addicted to watching Breaking Bad over the holidays. I loved it…but it did feel a bit strange to be watching THAT show during the Holidays…LOL! The point is we usually have a bit more time to binge-watch something, or catch a movie we have been wanting to see.  My daughter and I spent some time getting caught up on This is Us, a show we both enjoy. I spend a lot time crying during it, but do really enjoy it…once my headache goes away. 😉 Anyway….maybe a comedy over the holidays…or finally get into Outlander? 😉

7. Have friends over for Coffee and Muffins

Most Holiday invitations are for night-time events, how about having some girlfriends over for a Holiday Coffee (Baileys Optional)? I did that last year…and am planning to do it again…it was so fun! Just a very casual morning get together and chance to share some Holiday stories, new year plans, etc. Make a bowl of Sunshine Fruit Salad…if you don’t bake, just pick up a package of mini muffins and a throw some clementines in a bowl. The big events are done….events during this last week should feel easy and relaxing. Plus it gives you a chance to use up the last of the Christmas napkins. 😉

8.  Work on a Puzzle

There’s something about setting up a puzzle on a table and just leaving it out over the Holidays…I love it. You’ll be surprised which family members might sit and join you or work on it sometimes. Working on a puzzle can be meditative and relaxing. I would love to get my hands on this one!

9. Go out and Support a Local Coffee Shop/Brewery/Winery

Post Holiday season can be the start of the quieter winter months for many small businesses. If you still have Holiday visitors, or are looking to get out of the house, why not go to a local cafe or brewery to see what we’re all about here. So many great options…Shop on the Corner, The Barn, Fancy Pants,  The Biscuit Eater, Petite Riviere Winery and more. What a great way to spend an afternoon!

10. Start a New Years Goals List

This one might feel a bit more like work, but I find working on a New Years goals list, sort of relaxing. My husband and I usually spend some time on January 1st talking about the upcoming year and any big events, house projects, etc that we might be facing.  Last year our two oldest…twins…graduated, and which I wrote a bit about here…so nothing quite as big as that event so far scheduled for next year, but it’s still good to talk about the next 12  months and what we would like to see happen. Break some of those goals into months, and see how you do. A new year definitely feels like a fresh start and knowing what goals or plans you are working towards, is helpful.

Canadian winters can feel long and sometimes brutal, which is why I like to make the most of the holiday season and really enjoy this last week of the year. We have months of cold and dark ahead…lets go for some twinkling lights and fun for a little bit longer. I’m curious, let me know if you do anything special during the time between Boxing day and New Year’s?  Peace on Earth everyone!