Take a Time-Out: Post-Holiday Reflections and Intentions

Take a Post-Holiday Time-Out

The holidays can be such a magically, fun time. Family gatherings, delicious food, and the joy of togetherness-99.9% of the time makes me warm and fuzzy. But if I am honest, the older I get, the more the "fitting it all in" and doing so with a joyful heart can be a challenge. As always, once the activities that bring us together occur, I am, of course, blissfully happy! But when the festivities wind down, and "back to real life" sets in...it's easy to move on to the next thing without blinking. And if you’re anything like me, the urge to clean up after the holidays is also very real. I can’t stand leaving a mess around the house! 🙃

As much as I love a tidy space and getting back into a normal routine, I’ve learned over the years the importance of taking a step back to breathe. Yes, getting the decorations down and the house back in order can feel like an immediate need, but it’s equally essential to carve out some time to relax and reflect.

My Post-Holiday Ritual

Once the house is a little quieter, I like to grab a cozy blanket, sit by the fireplace, and spend some intentional time reflecting on the holiday season. Whether it’s in the morning with a cup of Matcha or in the evening with some Chamomile tea, this pause has become one of my favorite rituals-even sometimes in the midst of all the cleaning!

During this time, I ask myself a few honest questions:

1. What went well?

2. What could have gone better?

3. What did I learn about myself this year?

Answering these questions has become such a meaningful exercise for me. Each year, I feel like I gain new insights into how I want to grow—whether it’s becoming a better host, a more attentive friend, a kinder sister, or a more intentional wife, mom, or mother-in-law. These quiet moments help me set intentions not only for future holidays but for the year ahead.

Capturing the Memories

Another part of my reflection involves capturing the sweet memories from the season. I like to write down all the things I’m thankful for and the special moments that transpired during family events. I’ve started doing this more frequently on my phone, documenting these moments as they happen. Social media, surprisingly, has become a great tool for me to archive these memories. While I love sharing photos and highlights with friends, I also enjoy scrolling back through posts to relive the joy of seasons past.

Pro Tip: Write It Down

If you haven’t made time to reflect before, I highly recommend giving it a try. Grab a journal, open your notes app, or even jot down thoughts on the back of a holiday card—whatever works for you! Writing things down helps bring clarity and focus. You might be surprised by how much you uncover about yourself and your goals when you take the time to pause and process.

Your Turn

How do you wind down after the holidays? Do you take time to reflect before diving back into the next thing? Whether it’s a long walk, journaling, or just sitting with a cup of tea, I’d love to hear about your favorite ways to recharge. 

Wishing you a peaceful post-holiday season. 🌟