There are countless ways to spend the holiday season. Get cozy indoors and binge-watch classic holiday movies. Or maybe you’re a Christmas cookie lover and love baking on the weekends. And of course, if you live in an area where it gets snowy and cold, there’s never been a better time for outdoor adventures.
Whatever your plans, we all agree. Vacations are best when you’re less stressed and have enough space in your schedule to appreciate everything. We’re committed to making this year a season full of magic, and our 2024 Holiday Ritual will help you get there. Because busyness catches up with us. And it can be tempting to slip your productive days into vacation time. But take this list as permission to dedicate time to all the things that calm your mind and bring you the most joy. (Includes sledding, hot cocoa, and napping)
P.S. I made a magazine! Get the Holiday Issue of Edited by Camille Stilesis out now.
2024 Holiday Rituals to Bring Joy This Season
We hope these 2024 holiday rituals will help you brighten up this year in a special and heartwarming way. Let these ideas guide you to your list of objectives and get ready to make the most of your vacation.
1st week
1. Plan your Thanksgiving menu (or potluck donation).
2. Add some romance to your journaling session by lighting some candles. Practice gratitude using one of these prompts.
3. Make mulled wine, grog, or hot apple cider in a clay pot. your house will smell wonderful.
4. Bake pumpkin bread. Double the recipe and gift one to a friend, neighbor, or co-worker.
5. Create a holiday gift list. Jot down ideas for each person on your list and tap our holiday gift guide to find new ideas.
6. Plan your festive attire. Take a look at your calendar and see if there are any opportunities where you might want to put in a little effort. And steal all the holiday outfit inspiration.
7. Clean out your closet and donate the clothes you haven’t worn in a year. If you have children, look through their toys and donate any that have outgrown them. It’s the perfect time to clear out some space before buying anything or bringing gifts into your home.
2nd week
8. Heat up some homemade chai.
9. Have a craft day on your day off. Scroll through Pinterest for ideas and get inspired by our favorite holiday DIYs.
10. Go buy a special new ornament for the tree. Our family tradition is that each person receives one new ornament a year. This is a great way to look back and remember Christmases past.
11. Choose a holiday gift wrapping theme or color palette and shop. If you use scissors and tape to store it in an appropriate place, you can complete stress-free wrapping.
12. Give Back: The brightest season is when you make it bright for someone else, so think about how you want to give back this year. One of our favorites? Find your children’s organization’s wish list and “adopt” something to gift.
13. Treat yourself. cozy socks or slippers You can wear it all winter long.
14. Make plans with old friends you haven’t seen in years.
3rd week
15. Buy classic Christmas books and bring them to a local donation drive that kids can enjoy.
16. Visit small businesses and buy gifts for friends and loved ones.
17. Make a DIY wreath for your front door.
18. Go for a walk with gratitude. Leave your cell phone at home. As you walk, make a mental list of all the things you are grateful for right now. Think about the joy each one brings to your life.
19. Make paper snowflakes and hang them on the window using double-sided tape.
20. Order holiday gifts. Most retailers have sales all week long on Thanksgiving, so avoid the pressure of having to do it all on Cyber Monday.
21. Call friends and relatives far away to express your gratitude.
Week 4
22. Spread some cheer. Leave a nice tip for the barista.
23. Find a new red lipstick that complements your skin tone. Here’s how to keep it in place for your holiday party.
24. Close your laptop and buy at least one gift in person.
25. Start an Advent Calendar — Here’s a list of fun calendars for 2024.
26. Get in the Christmas spirit by visiting your city’s holiday market, shopping for decorations and drinking hot cocoa.
27. Enjoy decorating your Christmas tree all night long. Put on some music, make some hot cocoa, and enjoy the process.
28. Create a holiday playlist of your favorite festive songs.
Week 5
29. Set aside an afternoon for holiday baking. Download our Holiday Cookie Guide and make a recipe (or two). You can also prepare the dough and freeze it for later use.
30. Turn on your favorite holiday album and do at least one cleaning task you’ve been putting off.
31. Set up a cozy wrapping station and start wrapping gifts, even if it’s just one gift a night.
32. Cook a festive meal filled with family favorites.
33. Buy or DIY a few gifts to say thank you to teachers, postmen, housekeepers, hairdressers, etc.
34. Recreate your favorite Starbucks holiday drinks at home. Invite your friends to vote on which one is best: Gingerbread Latte or Peppermint Mocha.
35. Scroll through last month’s camera roll. Relive your best memories and remove duplicates and screenshots.
Week 6
36. Cross one thing off your calendar and choose to have a holiday movie night at home instead.
37. Light a candle and make a shopping list for next week’s holiday meals.
38. Go for a walk or drive to see the holiday lights.
39. Read polar express.
40. Have a self-care night at home during the holidays. Get tips for designing the perfect relaxing evening.
41. Look through old holiday photos and text your favorite photos to family and friends with whom you shared memories.
42. If you have leftover holiday cookie dough, bake it and give it to your neighbors.
Week 7
43. Bring out your playful side and express your childlike wonder. Watch a movie or play a game you loved as a child.
44. Make peppermint bark, or our favorite, winter wonderland white chocolate bark. The perfect snack for all your Christmas week activities.
45. Make a stew pot for winter. Slowly simmer cranberries, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and whatever else you want to add flavor to your home in a pot on the stove.
46. Find unexpected acts of kindness that you can do for the people you come into contact with in your daily life. It will make a big difference this season, both for you and for the recipient.
47. Invite your friends and family to Pajama Day. Holiday movies and snacks are a must.
48. Serve snacks to Santa and his reindeer.
49. Buy some fresh evergreens and place them in the center of your table to create an easy and festive garland.
50. Celebrate the holidays with your loved ones. Please hug me and hold me close. If you’ll be spending Christmas away from family and friends, call or text them to let them know you’re thinking of them.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
