The Week Between Christmas and New Year: How to Slow Down Without Falling Behind

Christmas was just a couple of days ago.

The wrapping paper is gone (mostly). The house feels lived-in — maybe a little messy, maybe decorations are only halfway down.

The calendar suddenly feels quiet…but your mind doesn’t. You’re thinking about everything that needs to be done.

The days between Christmas and New Year can feel strange for moms.

You’re tired — yet we are still thinking about what needs to be done.
You want to rest — but you feel guilty and you don’t want to start January already feeling behind.

If this sounds like you, let me remind you of something important:

💗 You didn’t miss your chance to slow down.

These in-between days are actually your opportunity to take things one day at a time.

Here’s how I approach this week so we can rest and reset — without letting everything unravel and being overwhelmed.

1. Let Christmas Linger (Just a Little)

You don’t need to pack everything away yet.

It’s okay if:

• decorations are still up
• routines are a little loose
• meals are simple
• the house looks lived-in

This week isn’t about cleaning up Christmas — it’s about recovering from it and savoring these precious moments with your family.

Let the lights stay on. Let the cozy linger. Breathe a little deeper.

2. Keep One Small Daily Reset — That’s It

Instead of trying to “get back on track,” I choose one small reset each day.

Just one.

That might look like:

• closing the kitchen down
• a 10-minute tidy in the main space
• a quick bathroom reset

This keeps the house from spiraling — without stealing rest from this slower week.

👉 You’re maintaining, not playing catch up.

3. Embrace the Slow Days (On Purpose)

This is one of the only times of year where life naturally slows down — so we lean into it.

In our home, that looks like:

• slow mornings
• board games
• puzzles
• movies in pajamas
• walks outside
• leftover or very simple dinners

These days aren’t unproductive. They’re restorative.

Your kids won’t remember whether the house was spotless — they’ll remember how this week felt and the memories you made together.

4. Start One Load of Laundry a Day

This is one small thing that makes a big difference.

Starting (and finishing) just one load of laundry each day keeps it from piling up — and it doesn’t take much effort.

It’s a gentle way to stay on top of things without turning this week into a chore-fest.

5. Rest Without Guilt

If you’re tired right now, that makes sense.

December is full. Motherhood is full. Life is full.

Resting this week doesn’t mean you’re lazy or falling behind.  It means you’re preparing your heart and home for what’s next.

Rest now — so January doesn’t feel overwhelming.

A Gentle Reminder for This Week

You don’t need to do everything.

You only need:

• one small reset a day
• space to breathe
• permission to slow down

This week is a bridge — not a race.

For now, stay cozy.

And let this in-between week be exactly what it’s meant to be. 💗

Love and Support,

Billie-Jo