Things To Do In December: Self + Home Improvement Ideas

December is often a whirlwind of holiday parties, shopping, and endless to-do lists. It’s easy to get swept up in the busyness and forget to take a step back and focus on what truly matters—ourselves, our well-being, and our homes.

But as the year winds down, December is actually the perfect time for reflection, personal development, and setting the stage for a calm and balanced start to the new year.

This month doesn’t have to be about stress and burnout; it can be a time to focus on holistic wellness, make intentional improvements in your home, and find moments of peace amidst the holiday chaos.

Make sure you get my home decorating book, which includes bonus resources to help you style your home like an absolute pro - yours FREE today!

As an affiliate partner of various brands and sponsored content, we may earn commission on qualifying purchases. Disclaimer | Advertise With Us

In this article, I’ll share some uncommon but powerful ways you can make time for personal development, holistic wellness, home improvements, and prep for a stress-free holiday.

Why Taking Time To Reflect in December Matters

Before we get into the list of things to do in December, I need to explain why doing so is so crucial to your overall wellbeing.

A few years ago, I hit that classic December wall—feeling overextended, overwhelmed, and completely drained by the time Christmas rolled around. I had packed my schedule full of holiday activities, shopping, hosting, and year-end deadlines, leaving zero time for myself. I wasn’t sleeping well, my home was cluttered, and I had no sense of balance. It was in that chaotic holiday season that I realized something had to change.

I decided to carve out intentional time for myself in December—starting with small self-care habits, reorganizing my space to make it feel more calming, and setting boundaries around holiday obligations. I focused on how I could enter the new year feeling restored, rather than burnt out.

That shift in mindset completely transformed how I approached December. Now, it’s a month where I blend personal growth with holiday enjoyment, embracing both the festive and the reflective sides of the season.

20 Things to Do in December for Personal Growth and a Stress-Free Holiday

These ideas will help you reclaim December as a month of calm, growth, and joy—setting you up for a better holiday season and a more peaceful start to the new year.

I’ve broken this guide into four sections: self-improvement tips, holistic wellness tips, home improvement tips, and managing the holidays mindfully.

1: Personal Development and Self-Improvement

Conduct a Year-End Digital Detox

Let’s be honest—by the time December hits, we’ve all spent a bit too much time scrolling social media. December is the perfect opportunity to hit pause on your digital life and do a little detox.

Pick a few days to unplug from the endless notifications and updates (don’t worry, your group chats will survive). Use that time to journal, meditate, or simply be present.

You’ll be amazed at how much mental clarity you gain once your brain isn’t constantly buzzing from Instagram reels or endless email chains. Plus, it gives you a nice break before the holiday madness ramps up!

Create a Vision Board for the New Year Using Mind Mapping

Forget the old cut-and-paste magazine vision boards—it’s time to get creative with mind mapping! December is all about setting the stage for the new year, and mind mapping lets you visually organize your goals in a more flexible, free-flowing way.

Whether you want to focus on career growth, travel plans, or finally getting that skincare routine nailed down, mind mapping is a fun way to see everything in one place. Grab some colored pens, let your imagination run wild, and watch your future come to life on paper.

Embrace Solitude with a ‘Solo Day’ at the start of December

Trust me, you need this. Before the holiday obligations start piling up, take one day at the start of December to just be. No work, no socializing, no frantic holiday prep.

Spend the day (or a whole weekend) doing what nourishes your soul—whether that’s a long walk, binge-watching your favorite show, or journaling about your hopes for the new year. The key is to spend the day solo and focused on your own needs. It’s like giving yourself a mini retreat before the holiday storm.

If you have kids and a busy household, get Dad or Grandma to take care of things at home for the weekend, and book yourself into a nice luxury spa hotel for a few days where you can be unbothered.

Create a ‘December Gratitude Jar’

This one is super easy and low-effort, but it has such a positive impact. Every day in December, write down one thing you’re grateful for and pop it into a jar.

By the end of the month, you’ll have a whole collection of little moments to reflect on. It’s a simple way to remind yourself of the good things, especially when the holiday season starts to feel like one big stress ball. Plus, reading through them on New Year’s Eve is a great way to end the year on a positive note.

2: Home Improvement Tips for a Cozier December

Create a Cozy Nook for Winter Reading and Reflection

If there’s ever a time to lean into cozy vibes, it’s December. Take a corner of your home (or a whole room if you’re feeling ambitious) and turn it into the ultimate reading nook.

Think blankets, soft lighting, and lots of pillows—basically a nest for your winter hibernation. This can also double as your journaling or meditation space, a little sanctuary where you can unwind and reflect during the hectic holiday season.

Get yourself some pretty art prints and frame them on the wall and voila – cozy nook perfection!

Bonus points if you add some fairy lights for extra cozy ambiance.

Decorate Your Home For The Holidays

Create some new Holiday memories for yourself and your family by sprucing up your decor for the Holiday season with festive Winter decor.

Check out these guides to help you create the coziest Christmas vibes in your home:

• 10 Lovely Winter Decor Ideas 
• Cottagecore Christmas: The Ultimate Guide to Cozy Vintage Holiday Decor
• Classy Christmas Decor: Chaos-Free Holiday Decorating Tips

Also, if you have kids, check out this list of mischievous Elf on the Shelf ideas!

Upgrade Your Home’s Energy Efficiency

Okay, I know this sounds boring, but hear me out—December is a great time to make small upgrades that will pay off when those winter heating bills hit. Seal up any drafty windows, add some energy-saving light bulbs, and consider insulating any areas that get chilly.

You’ll be more comfortable, your home will feel cozier, and your wallet will thank you. Plus, making these changes now means your home will be in great shape when the holiday guests arrive.

Revamp Your Bedroom for Better Sleep in Winter

December is prime time for sleeping in, but not if your bedroom feels like an icebox. Make a few small changes to make your space the ultimate sleep haven.

Add heavier curtains to block out the cold, swap your light summer sheets for flannel or a weighted blanket, and maybe throw in some lavender-scented pillows. Little adjustments can make your room feel like the cozy winter retreat you never knew you needed.

Declutter and Donate as a Pre-Holiday Tradition

Before your home gets filled with holiday gifts and decor, take some time to declutter. Go through closets, kitchen drawers, and random storage areas and clear out anything you don’t need. But instead of just tossing stuff, donate it!

There are so many people who could use those gently used items you’ve been hoarding. Decluttering not only clears your space, but it also gives you a chance to give back—just in time for the season of giving.

3: Holistic Wellness Tips for December

Try Ayurvedic Winter Practices for Balance and Immunity

Ayurveda offers some seriously practical tips for surviving winter without feeling like a frozen, sniffly mess.

Think warming foods like soups and stews, hot teas that make you feel cozy from the inside out, and self-massage with warm oils to keep your skin from turning into sandpaper.

It’s all about staying grounded and balanced, even when the weather is doing everything it can to throw you off. Plus, sipping herbal teas by the fire? Total winter wellness vibes.

Host a Winter Wellness Gathering

Holiday parties are great and all, but what if you switched it up and hosted a winter wellness night instead? Invite a few friends over for a low-key evening of tea-tasting, meditation, and sharing self-care tips.

It’s a fun way to decompress while still socializing, and you might just walk away with a few new wellness habits to carry into the new year. No stress, no over-the-top decorations—just good vibes and a chance to focus on what really matters: your health and well-being.

Winter Solstice Rituals for Reflection and Renewal

The Winter Solstice marks the longest night of the year, which sounds like the perfect excuse to slow down and reflect. Light some candles, grab a journal, and spend the evening thinking about what you want to let go of from this year and what you want to welcome in the next.

It’s like a pre-New Year’s Eve moment but without the pressure of resolutions. Use this time to pause, reflect, and reset your mindset for the year ahead.

Practice Cold Exposure Therapy

I know it sounds crazy, but cold exposure is the wellness trend you didn’t know you needed. Try starting with a cold shower (just a quick one!) or go for a brisk outdoor walk without bundling up like a snowman.

Cold exposure helps boost circulation, energy, and your immune system. Plus, there’s nothing like the feeling of conquering that first icy blast of water to make you feel like you’ve got life under control—at least for a minute.

4: Managing the Holidays Mindfully

Set Boundaries with a ‘Holiday Non-Negotiables’ List

The holidays can be overwhelming, but one of the best ways to keep your sanity intact is by setting boundaries early on. Before things get too hectic, sit down and make a list of your “holiday non-negotiables”—things you absolutely want to prioritize and things you’re happy to skip.

Maybe it’s spending a quiet morning with your family, skipping a few holiday parties, or setting a clear budget for gifts.

Once you know what matters most to you, stick to it! Share your non-negotiables with friends and family, so everyone is on the same page, and you’re not overextending yourself. It’s all about enjoying the holidays on your terms, without burning out.

Schedule Digital-Free Holiday Evenings

Between shopping online, scrolling through social media, and replying to holiday texts, it’s easy to stay glued to your screen all season long. That’s why scheduling a few digital-free evenings can be a total game-changer.

Pick a night or two each week where all the screens go off, and instead, focus on more mindful activities—board games, puzzles, reading, or simply catching up with loved ones. It’ll help you unplug from the holiday frenzy and focus on what really matters: quality time and genuine connections.

4.3. Host a ‘No-Stress Potluck’ Holiday Gathering

Holiday hosting can be a lot of fun… until you’re buried in prep work and wondering why you agreed to do it. Enter the no-stress potluck! Instead of taking on all the responsibility yourself, ask guests to bring their favorite dish.

Not only does this take a huge weight off your shoulders, but it also adds variety to the meal. People love sharing their signature recipes, and it creates a relaxed, communal vibe that’s way more fun than a formal sit-down dinner. Plus, you get to focus on enjoying your own party rather than spending the whole night in the kitchen.

Use a ‘Holiday Task Delegation Plan’

Instead of feeling like you have to do everything yourself—decorating, shopping, cooking—create a task delegation plan.

Whether it’s getting family members to help with decorations, having your partner take charge of gift wrapping, or getting the kids involved in prepping the holiday treats, you’ll lighten the load and make the holiday prep a team effort.

Delegating tasks can turn holiday chores into something fun and collaborative, rather than a solo marathon of stress. Plus, it’s a great way to create shared memories without the chaos.

Reflect on the Holidays with a Post-Christmas Journaling Ritual

Once the gifts are unwrapped and the holiday buzz dies down, take a moment to reflect on how it all went. Grab a journal and write down what you enjoyed, what you found stressful, and what you’d like to do differently next year.

It’s a simple way to wrap up the holiday season and enter the new year with a clear perspective. Plus, having a record of your reflections will help you navigate future holiday seasons with more clarity and mindfulness.

Things to Do in December for a Calm and Productive Month – Conclusion

December doesn’t have to be all about hustle and holiday stress. It can be a time for self-reflection, wellness, and meaningful connections—if you make space for it. By focusing on personal development, creating a cozy and peaceful home, and setting boundaries around the holidays, you’ll be able to enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed.

Consider taking a day for yourself, revamping your winter routine, and making your home feel like a cozy retreat. Any of these small changes can make a huge difference.

Use December as your opportunity to reset, recharge, and truly enjoy both the festive moments and the quiet ones. After all, the best gift you can give yourself this holiday season is a little bit of peace.