10 Things To Do In December To End The Year On A Good Note
I tend to jump between feeling cheerful and feeling like I could’ve done more.
Sometimes I’m all, “Yes, it’s Christmas, life is good!” Other times, it’s more like, “Wait, what did I even accomplish this year?”
But this December, I’ve decided to stay on the happy side and toss all my regrets into the fire where they belong.
Why?
Because December isn’t made for sadness. Whether you’re surrounded by loud, laughing family or sitting at home with your dog (that’s me this year), it’s still a month worth enjoying.
So, in this post, I’m sharing my favorite things to do in December—10 simple, meaningful rituals to wrap up the year feeling good.
Grab your blanket, pull on your softest sweater, and pour yourself a hot cup of coffee. Let’s make this December cozy, calm, and full of good vibes.
The last month of the year can feel tricky—it’s both exciting and a little tough, depending on your mood.
Don’t Miss: 14 Tiny Ways To Improve Your Mood When You’re Feeling Down
1. Make a “Good Moments” List
Before jumping into resolutions or year-end reviews, I like to sit with a notebook and write down every good thing that happened this year.
Even the tiny ones count.
That unexpected text from a friend, the morning coffee that made a bad day better, or the day I finally finished that long project.
It’s easy to remember the disappointments, but this list reminds me that good stuff happened too.
By the time I’m done, I’m usually smiling and feeling lighter.
Try it.
You’ll be surprised at how many bright moments you forgot.
2. Declutter Your Space
December is the best time to clean—not because it’s fun, but because starting a new year with less mess feels amazing.
I usually pick one small area at a time: my closet, my kitchen drawers, or that mysterious corner full of old cables I don’t recognize.
Getting rid of stuff I don’t need gives me room to breathe.
And there’s something deeply satisfying about donating clothes or books that someone else might enjoy.
A clean space really does clear your mind.
3. Watch a Movie That Feels Like a Warm Blanket
When the weather gets cold, I turn my living room into a mini theater.
I light a candle, grab a soft blanket, and watch something that makes me feel good.
It doesn’t have to be a Christmas movie, though I have a soft spot for Home Alone and The Holiday.
Sometimes it’s just an old favorite that reminds me life can be simple and happy.
We spend so much time rushing that we forget to just sit and enjoy a story.
Let yourself do that this month.
4. Write a Letter to Yourself
Every December, I write a letter to “future me.”
It’s not about setting goals or making promises—it’s more like leaving a little time capsule.
I tell myself what I learned, what I’m proud of, and what I want to remember when things get hard.
Then I tuck it away and don’t open it until next December.
When I finally read it, I usually realize how much I’ve grown without noticing.
It’s a quiet kind of magic.
5. Go for a Walk and Notice the Season
It’s easy to forget how beautiful December looks outside.
Even when it’s cold, the world feels softer somehow.
The air smells different, the light hits the trees in a golden way, and people seem a little slower.
When I go for a walk, I leave my phone at home.
No music.
No scrolling.
Just me, the cold air, and the sound of crunching leaves or snow.
It’s the simplest way to reset your head.
6. Bake or Cook Something Just for Fun
Cooking in December hits different.
The kitchen feels warmer, and the smells wrap around you like a blanket.
I’m not a professional cook, but I love baking cookies, stirring soup, or trying a new recipe just because.
It doesn’t matter if it looks perfect.
The joy is in the doing—mixing, tasting, waiting.
And if you share what you make with someone, it’s even better.
Food connects people, even when it’s just you and your pet sharing a quiet dinner.
7. Spend One Day Offline
This one’s harder than it sounds.
I challenge myself to go one whole day without checking my phone or computer.
No emails, no social media, no endless scrolling.
At first, it feels weird—like I’m missing something important.
But after a few hours, I start noticing little things again: how my coffee smells, how quiet the house is, how nice it feels to do nothing.
That one day always gives me more peace than an entire week online.
8. Reach Out to Someone You Miss
December can feel lonely, even when you’re surrounded by people.
Sometimes all it takes is one small message to remind someone (and yourself) that you care.
I try to text or call one person I haven’t spoken to in a while.
Not to make it deep or dramatic—just a simple “Hey, I was thinking about you.”
It’s a small act, but it often leads to the kind of warm conversation that makes the season brighter.
9. Do One Thing You’ve Been Putting Off
We all have that one thing that’s been sitting on our mental to-do list forever.
It could be cleaning out an email inbox, fixing something at home, or booking a long-overdue appointment.
December’s the perfect time to finally do it.
Not because you have to, but because finishing it feels so freeing.
It’s like taking a deep breath before the new year begins.
Crossing that one thing off your list gives you a quiet sense of accomplishment.
10. Make a Small Plan for the New Year
I don’t do big New Year’s resolutions anymore.
They never stick.
Instead, I pick one small thing I want to focus on in the next year—something that feels doable and meaningful.
It could be walking more, reading one book a month, or learning to cook something new.
I write it down, not as a promise, but as an intention.
Starting small helps me stay grounded and gives me direction without pressure.
