The December Edition: Slipping into the Holiday Spirit
There’s something about December that feels almost cinematic—like the world softens into warm light, classic music, and velvet evenings. It’s the month where time suddenly feels more precious, where the glow of a Christmas tree makes your entire home feel alive, and we bring forward that nostalgic, Christmas magic.
This season, I’m leaning fully into the idea of an elegant, vintage Christmas—quiet luxury, soft traditions, slower living, and a return to the rituals that make the holidays feel magical. I want this month to feel warm and grounded but also inspiring, abundant, and full of that classic old-world charm we romanticize in movies and memories.
Below is my personal Holiday Bucket List and little ways to infuse December with meaning, beauty, and presence.
Holiday Bucket List
Create a December Vision Board + Plan Your Month
December tends to move quickly—holiday parties, work deadlines, travel plans—so taking an hour to map out your outfits, events, intentions, and to-do’s helps you stay grounded, organized, and fully present.
Make a Cozy Winter Stew or Signature Holiday Dish
Spend an evening slow-cooking something warm and comforting—like a rich winter stew, roasted vegetables, or a classic holiday recipe passed down through your family. Put on a jazz playlist, sip a glass of wine, and let your home fill with the nostalgic aroma of December.
See The Nutcracker or a Holiday Show
Whether it’s ballet, a local play, or a symphony, sitting in a theater surrounded by velvet curtains and twinkling lights feels quintessentially December.
Make Christmas Cookies + Decorate with Friends & Family
There’s nothing more nostalgic than rolling out dough, playing a Christmas jazz playlist, and decorating snowflake cookies late into the evening. It’s simple, but it instantly pulls you into the season.
Do a Christmas Puzzle
The coziest slow-evening activity. A candle lit, a mug of hot cocoa, soft music, and the slow satisfaction of putting pieces together.
Host a Holiday Themed Girls’ Night
Think: “The Holiday,” champagne coupes, charcuterie, silk pajamas, and a relaxed night in with your favorite people.
Take a Winter Walk in a Beautiful Neighborhood
Stroll through your favorite neighborhood at dusk to see homes decorated with wreaths and twinkling lights. My favorite thing to do is to host a Christmas Walk for my friends. We prepare drinks or hot chocolate beforehand to enjoy on our walk together.
Preparing for 2026
If you’re anything like me, you might already be daydreaming about who you want to become in 2026. I keep a running list in my notes app titled “My 2026 Self”—a collection of habits, qualities, routines, and lifestyle shifts that feel aligned with my next chapter.
But what I love most about December is that it becomes my practice month.
This is where I gently slip into the energy of my higher self—no pressure, no dramatic “start on January 1st” mentality. I begin incorporating the habits I want to bring into the new year now, so that when January arrives, I’m not starting from scratch…I’m simply continuing.
During December, I focus on:
Decluttering my home and donating anything that no longer aligns
Refreshing my playlists
Clearing out my phone, my computer, and my digital spaces
Organizing finances, calendars, and travel plans
Reflecting on the past year—what worked, what didn’t, what evolved, and what I want to elevate
There’s something so grounding about clearing out the old energy of the year to create a clean, intentional slate for the one ahead. It’s restorative and empowering.
As you move through December, I hope you let yourself fully embrace the magic of this month—the cozy nights in, the gatherings, the reflections, the fresh beginnings quietly forming behind the scenes.
If this inspired you, tell me:
What’s on your holiday bucket list? And what part of your 2026 self are you already beginning to step into?
I’d love to hear.
Disclaimer: The photo on the previous page and the photos featured in this collage is from Pinterest. If you happen to know who the owner is of any of the photos, please let me know so I can credit them.