It’s finally February after what felt like the longest January of all time! Seriously, that month seemed to last 1,000 days. I’ve always wondered why the beginning of the year is such a slump for so many of us. I’m not judging—I promise! I felt it too. If I take a moment to really think about it, maybe it’s because we’re coming off months filled with celebration, joy, family, and fun traditions. My favorite time of the year is the holiday season, and I imagine many of you feel the same. So that brings up the question: how do we keep the spirit of the holidays alive in our day-to-day or the mundane?
Of course, there are plenty of fun holidays to celebrate after Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I’m looking beyond that. How do we celebrate our daily lives in that same spirit as those major holidays? I’ve learned it doesn’t have to be complicated or extravagant; sometimes, the simplest ideas can have the biggest impact.
Gratitude Jar
Have you ever thought about starting a gratitude jar with your kids? It’s such a simple yet meaningful idea! Grab a jar and have everyone write down one thing they’re thankful for each week. If your kids are old enough, have them really put some thought into it and write it themselves; if not, brainstorm and help them out. Then, at the end of the month, gather as a family to read them together. This not only keeps that holiday thankfulness going but also encourages everyone to focus on the positives!
Weekly Family Tradition
What about starting a weekly family tradition? Maybe it’s Taco Tuesday, where everyone gets involved in making their own tacos, or a Friday movie night complete with popcorn and cozy blankets. Just having something to look forward to each week can really help celebrate everyday life. Plus, it’s a wonderful opportunity to bond and create lasting memories together.
Just Because + YES Days
Have you ever had a “Just Because” day? You could bake cookies on a random Wednesday, have an at home spa day or build a fort in your living room. It’s all about doing something special just because you want to, and it brings you joy. There’s also the fun tradition of a “YES” day; we can attest that a yes day really brings the same vibes as the holiday spirit!
Giving Back
Something I’m passionate about during the holidays is teaching my daughter about giving back and focusing on more than just candy on Halloween or presents on Christmas. Why not encourage the kids to perform little acts of kindness throughout the year? They could leave uplifting notes for neighbors, bake treats for someone who needs a pick-me-up, or volunteer at a local charity. It’s a great way to keep that holiday spirit alive all year long!
Celebrate Success
And let’s not forget about celebrating our kids’ successes, big or small. Whether they aced a test, learned a new skill, or simply tried their best on a school project, take a moment to recognize it. You could have a little “celebration night” where they share their achievements, and you can plan a treat or a fun activity to mark the occasion. It’s a wonderful way to boost their confidence and show them that their efforts matter. Plus, it reinforces the idea that every step forward is worth celebrating, no matter how small.
These ideas can help keep that holiday spirit alive in our day-to-day lives! It’s all about finding joy in the little things and creating moments that matter. We would love to hear some of the ways your family celebrates throughout the year. Comment below!
