We’re officially in that part of December where everything speeds up — school events, therapy appointments, baking days, Christmas parties, shopping, activities, mom life still happening… everything piling up at once.

This is our busiest week of the whole month.

And if you’re like me, this is the week when the pressure feels a little heavier and the house starts showing it. It’s when the stress kicks in and the mental load feels extra loud.

So instead of trying to “power through,” this is your gentle check-in:

• How am I really doing?
• What actually matters this week?
• What can I let go of, seriously, what can you let go of?
• What small things can bring calm back in? 

You don’t need a full reset — just a few simple things that help you breathe again.

Here’s what I focus on this week (every year) to keep our home steady and December peaceful:

1. The Mid-Month Home Check-In

Before the week runs away, take a few minutes and ask:

• What space is stressing me the most…bathroom, kids rooms?
• What do I keep “meaning to do” that would make this week easier?
• Where can I simplify immediately? 

Then choose ONE thing:

✔ clear the counters
✔ reset the living room
✔ do a quick vacuum
✔ catch up on towels + sheets
✔ clean the bathrooms

Don’t clean the whole house — just pick the thing that is stressing you.

2. A Simple List of Must-Do’s for This Week

The week of December 8 is where we tighten things gently — not with pressure, but with intention.

Get these done this week:

✔ finalize any gifts that need shipping
✔ plan meals for the next 2 weeks (keep them simple!)
✔ check pantry + fridge for holiday baking/cooking
✔ schedule grocery pickup
✔ look at the calendar for the next two weeks
✔ block a quiet night at home (at least ONE)

Let these go:

❌ having everything perfect
❌ activities you feel obligated to attend
❌ deep cleaning
❌ perfectly wrapped gifts
❌ unrealistic expectations of yourself

This week is all about making the rest of the month lighter.

3. One Daily Reset (That Keeps Everything Steady)

When days get busy, routines slip — but this ONE rhythm helps the most:

Choose one:

• kitchen reset 
• vacuum the floors 
• 10-minute tidy 
• bathrooms wiped down 
• a load of laundry started + finished 

Just one. Every day. It keeps the chaos from snowballing.

4. Protect the Mood — Not the Schedule

December moves fast, but your mood affects the whole home.

This week, I make sure to protect:

• my early morning quiet time 
• my afternoon coffee moment 
• slow nights at home 
• connection with the kids 
• going to bed at a decent time (hello 9:45 p.m.) 

A mom who is not stressed shifts the entire home.

Mama… remember this 💗

You don’t need to “catch up.”
You don’t need to do everything.
You don’t need to make December perfect.

You just need simple rhythms that help your home stay peaceful while life is full.

And if you want those rhythms to feel easy, repeatable and personalized for your family…

👉 The Simplified Home is the guide that helps you maintain your home without overwhelm — even in December.

Simple resets.
Light routines.
A calmer home.

You deserve that — especially this month.