The week between Christmas and New Year’s is the time of year where speace and time cease to exist. OK, not literally, but it sure feels that way.
This is a time when the days blur together, the fridge is full of questionable leftovers, and everyone walks around in sweatpants, wondering what day it is. For some, this week is the ultimate gift of relaxation. For others, it’s a time of existential crisis.
If you’re looking for ways to fill the awkward, post-holiday void, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a guide to making the most of that weird, cozy limbo week:
1. Host a Movie Marathon
Sure, you could watch Elf for the 15th time this month, but why not spice it up? Declare it a “’Not a Christmas Movie’ Christmas Movie Marathon” and stream movies like Die Hard or Little Women. Bonus points if you draft a debate chart to decide once and for all whether these films qualify as festive classics.
Want to get more niche? Try a director-specific marathon (we vote Wes Anderson) or binge a beloved series (The Lord of the Rings: Extended Editions, because you’ve got timeeee).
2. Organize a Cookie Competition
Turn your kitchen into the Great British Baking Show. Grab family or friends and compete to see who can whip up the most ridiculous, over-the-top cookie creations. Think cookies that look like Santa’s sleigh, reindeer or a snowman doing yoga. Award points for creativity, flavor and whether the cookie is Instagram-worthy.
No friends around? No problem. Take yourself on in a one-on-one “nailed it” style showdown and see if you can recreate Pinterest-worthy cookies (spoiler: you probably can’t, but it’s all in good fun).
3. Read a Book You’ve Been Putting Off Since Last January
Remember that ambitious stack of books you promised to conquer this year that’s been quietly catching dust for the last 12 months? Now’s your time to shine. Pick up that novel, biography or devotional and sink into it with reckless abandon.
Pro tip: If you’re a little too distracted by leftover pie, try an audiobook (they count!). Light a candle, grab a blanket and let a professional narrator do the work while you sip hot cocoa.
4. Plan a Game Night (or Day)
Board games aren’t just for snowed-in nights or awkward family reunions—they’re your secret weapon for shaking up a slow week. Grab Codenames, Ticket to Ride, or Exploding Kittens for some laughs with friends or family.
Flying solo? Break out the puzzle you forgot you owned, or go digital with a solo-friendly game like Stardew Valley. It’s peaceful, wholesome, and perfect for this in-between season.
5. Take a Long, Decadent Walk
Yes, it’s cold outside. But hear us out: that post-Christmas glow hits differently in nature. Bundle up in your coziest scarf, grab your dog and your Spotify playlist, and head to a local park or trail. Reflect on the year, breathe in the crisp air, and pretend you’re in a Hallmark movie minus the predictable romantic subplot.
6. Declutter Like You Mean It
Hear us out: This is not the most fun suggestion, but let’s face it—you’re already in that reflective, “New Year, New Me” mode. Channel your inner Marie Kondo and tackle the closet, junk drawer or pantry that’s been haunting you all year.
Not only will you feel wildly accomplished, but you’ll also make room for all those new Christmas gifts you swore you didn’t need but now absolutely can’t live without.
7. Recreate Your Favorite Takeout at Home
The delivery apps are tempting, but what if you turned the awkward week into a cooking adventure? Pick your go-to comfort meal (pizza, pad Thai or sushi) and try making it from scratch. It’ll probably take longer than expected, but that’s kind of the point—it’s not like you’re in a rush.
Invite friends to join and turn it into a “Chopped”-style competition. Just don’t sabotage anyone with candy canes as the secret ingredient. Or do. It’s your kitchen.
8. Write Letters to Your Future Self
Grab a journal and write a note to yourself for next Christmas. Reflect on the highs and lows of the past year, set intentions for the next one, or just remind yourself to never eat that much fruitcake again.
Seal it in an envelope and hide it somewhere you’ll remember to check next December. Trust us—future you will appreciate the thought.
9. Host a Virtual Talent Show
Stuck at home? Pull out your laptop and invite your long-distance crew to show off their weirdest talents over Zoom. Maybe someone can do a killer Kermit the Frog impression, or another friend has secretly mastered the ukulele. You never know what hidden skills will surface when people are beyond bored out of their minds.
10. Give Yourself a Mini Makeover
The beauty of this weird week is that there’s no pressure to leave the house, so it’s the perfect time to experiment with a new look. Try out that funky eyeshadow tutorial you saw on TikTok or finally figure out what happens when you cut your own bangs (we are not responsible for any potential emotional damage that comes from this decision).
11. Revisit Old Photos and Make a Scrapbook
Nothing says “embrace the nostalgia” like scrolling through old photos. Whether it’s snaps from family vacations or blurry selfies from your emo phase, reliving those moments can be oddly therapeutic.
Use the time to organize them into a scrapbook — physical or digital — or create a highlight reel of the year’s best moments. Bonus: You’ll have something heartfelt to share on Instagram come New Year’s Eve.
12. Start a New Tradition
Who says traditions are limited to Christmas morning? Use this slow week to brainstorm new ways to celebrate the awkward in-between time. Maybe you start an annual “post-Christmas karaoke night” or a DIY hot chocolate bar competition.
The weirder, the better. After all, this week is all about embracing the unexpected. Who knows? You might even discover that this week is less of an awkward pause and more of a low-key holiday all its own.
