The Chaos That Is The Week Between Christmas and New Years...How To Get Through It
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is… something else to say the least, isn’t it?
The gifts are unboxed. The kids are still home (and somehow louder than they were before break?).The house looks like Christmas morning exploded and then made itself comfortable. And you’re caught somewhere between “I need a nap” and “I should really get my life together for the new year.”
If you’re nodding along… same, friend. This stretch of days is chaotic, exhausting, sweet, messy, meaningful — all at once. But it’s also one of the most powerful windows we have to pause, breathe, and realign before January sweeps in.
So let’s talk about how to survive and gently reset.
1. Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down (Yes, You Need It)
Moms tend to go straight from Christmas magic to New Year prep without a moment in between. But this in-between week was never designed to be productive — it’s meant to be a soft landing.
Here’s your reminder: You’re not behind. You don’t need a perfectly cleaned house to start a new year. Your kids being feral is not a sign of failure — it’s a sign that they’re still on holiday time & you did something right to make their Christmas as special as ever.
Take an extra-long shower .Finish your coffee while it’s still hot. Let the laundry wait one more day (as I stare at 3 baskets full right now). Let yourself breathe.
2. Start the New Year Prep… Gently
You don’t need a full planning retreat. You need 10 quiet minutes whenever they appear.
A few simple resets that make a big difference:
A small tidy, not a whole-house overhaul. Pick one space — your nightstand, your purse, the kitchen counter — and reset it. Instant clarity.
Write down three things you’re proud of from this year. Moms tend to skip this part. Don’t. You'll be surprised and feel refreshed to see these.
List what you want less of in the new year. Sometimes it’s the “no more of this” list that brings the most clarity.
This is the prep that actually matters — not a perfect pantry.
3. Choose a Word of the Year (Your Anchor for the Chaos Ahead)
Before goals, vision boards, or new routines… choose a single word.
A word that describes how you want to feel in the year ahead. Something that will set the tone.
Maybe it’s Still. Maybe Joy. Maybe Intentional, Freedom, Confident, or Fun.
This word becomes your compass — the gentle reminder you return to whenever life gets loud (which, let’s be real, is always).
If you’d like help choosing yours, here’s a quick and fun quiz: Word of the year quiz Please share your word of the year in the comments. Can't wait to see what you're striving for in 2026. Here is mine:
4. Three Simple New Year’s Eve Outfit Ideas (No Stress Required)
I know you’re juggling a lot this week, so the last thing you need is outfit drama. These three options cover every kind of NYE plan — and yes, I’ve added light styling touches that pair beautifully with your favorite jBloom pieces. That are all 50% off now through 12/31 SHOP HERE
If You’re Staying Home — Cozy Chic
Comfy sweats or soft joggers
A cute elevated sweatshirt or knit
Hair in a claw clip
A delicate, personalized necklace for a touch of “I still tried”
This is the "we’re eating snacks, watching the ball drop, and I’m in my happy place" look.
If You’re Heading to a Party — Glam & Effortless
A sleek dress or jumpsuit
Bold earrings or a statement bracelet
Soft waves or a low bun
A clutch you don’t have to babysit
This is polished without being overthought — the exact kind of glam we love.
If You’re Celebrating with Family or Friends — Simple & Stylish
Dark jeans or faux leather leggings
A sparkly top or satin blouse
Simple hoops + a layered necklace
Booties or comfy flats
This is the “I’m festive but I also need to sit on the floor with the kids at some point” look.
5. Keeping the Kids Happy Until Midnight (So You Can Actually Enjoy It)
Two ideas that work every year:
Make a Mini Countdown
Celebrate at 8pm or 9pm with:
Sparkling juice
Confetti poppers
A “Happy New Year!” shout
Then… bed. Kids feel included. Adults get peace.
Activity Bags or Hourly Envelopes
Prep a few small, cheap activities — coloring pages, glow sticks, a balloon to blow up, stickers, etc. Let the kids open one each hour. It keeps them busy, they feel special, and you get to enjoy people without playing constant cruise director.
Your New Year Reset Starts Now
You don’t need everything cleaned up. You don’t need a new routine perfectly planned. You don’t need to magically become organized overnight.
You just need one moment of intention — and one word that represents the heart of who you want to be going forward.
So take the quiz, choose your word of the year, and let it guide you into a fresh start that feels gentle, grounded, and completely doable. Share it in the comments so I can cheer you on.
You’ve got this, Mama. And the new year is lucky to have you.
Comments