When December Begins to Feel Like “Too Much”
There was a season of my life when December felt like something I needed to survive instead of savor.
Between school events, hosting family, wrapping gifts, keeping the house somewhat tidy, and trying to create meaningful moments for my kids, I often ended each day feeling drained and behind.
If you’ve ever found yourself saying,
“I love the holidays, but December overwhelms me…”
you’re not alone.
But here’s the shift that changed everything for me:
December doesn’t get easier by trying harder — it gets easier when your days have gentle rhythms.
Over the past few years, I began incorporating tiny, simple homemaking practices into my days.
Not big routines.
Not complicated systems.
Just small habits that made our home feel calm, warm, and anchored — even during the busiest month of the year.
These are the 12 practices that helped me stop being “the overwhelmed mom” in December and start feeling grounded again.
And to make it easier for you to bring these rhythms into your own home, I created a free printable you can keep on your fridge or inside your planner.
You’ll find it at the end of this post.
✨ 12 Tiny Practices That Make December Feel Lighter
Below are the rhythms I lean on year after year — the ones that create a sense of peace and structure when everything else feels busy.
1. The 10-Minute Morning Reset
Before the day starts moving, I take 10 minutes to open the blinds, clear the counters, switch the laundry, and light something warm.
This small ritual sets the tone for a calm day.
2. A Weekly Fridge Refresh
A clean and organized fridge removes so much mental load.
Toss leftovers, wipe spills, and prep produce you actually want to reach for — especially during heavy cooking weeks.
3. Pick 3 Easy Dinners to Repeat
December is not the month for reinventing dinner.
Choose three simple meals your family loves and rotate them without guilt.
Life becomes instantly smoother.
See below for 3 easy 30 minute dinner ideas
4. The Nightly Hot Spot Sweep
Every home has a “catch-all” spot.
Spend a few minutes clearing it before bed so tomorrow begins with clarity instead of clutter.
5. Sunday Planning Ritual
Before a new week begins, I take a quiet moment to look ahead.
Meals, events, school activities, hosting prep — knowing what’s coming brings so much peace.
6. Refresh the Entryway
Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home.
Put shoes away, wipe surfaces, refill hand soap, and add a small touch of greenery.
7. A Daily Sink Reset
A shiny sink changes the whole atmosphere of your kitchen.
Wash, wipe, breathe.
This is the simplest way to reset a busy home in December.
8. Restock the Essentials
Snacks, toiletries, wrapping supplies, pantry staples — staying stocked is an act of kindness for your future December self.
9. Set the Evening Atmosphere
As the sun sets, I turn lamps on early, play soft music, and put a simmer pot on the stove.
Tiny rituals shift the entire mood of the night.
10. Create a Laundry Rhythm
Assign days for lights, towels, bedding, and kids’ clothing.
Predictability brings peace — especially in the holiday season.
11. The 15-Minute Declutter Sweep
Walk room to room with a basket.
Pick up what doesn’t belong.
A small daily reset prevents the December spiral.
12. Establish a “Home Anchor”
A home anchor is a simple ritual your whole family can expect:
reading by the tree, evening tea, a nightly walk, Advent reading…
This one rhythm becomes the heartbeat of your home in December.
If December has felt overwhelming in the past, please hear this:
You don’t need more time.
You don’t need more energy.
You don’t need a perfectly decorated home.
You just need tiny, grounding rhythms that bring you back to yourself.
I hope these practices bring peace, warmth, and gentleness to your December the way they have to mine.
If you try one (or all!) of these rhythms, let me know in the comments — I love hearing how these habits come to life in your homes.
Wishing you a soft, warm, beautifully intentional December.
💛
With love,
Tere
🍽 3 Simple 30-Minute Recipes for a Calmer December
One of the biggest stressors in December is figuring out what to make for dinner on busy nights.
Between events, practices, holiday prep, and hosting, no one has the time (or energy) for long recipes.
These are three of my go-to 30-minute meals that feel cozy, seasonal, and doable — even on your fullest days.
1. Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet (30 minutes)
Bright, comforting, and pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or roasted potatoes.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or 2 chicken breasts, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt & pepper
- Optional: spinach or kale, chopped
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the chicken until golden.
- Add shallot and garlic; sauté for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, herbs, and cream.
- Simmer on medium heat for 8–10 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Stir in lemon zest and greens if using.
- Season to taste and serve with your favorite starch.
Why it works in December:
It feels bright and cozy without being heavy — perfect on nights when you need comfort and calm.
2. 20-Minute Tuscan Tortellini Soup
A one-pot, deeply satisfying dinner with zero fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups spinach
- ½ cup cream
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper
- Parmesan for serving
Directions:
- Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil for 2 minutes.
- Add broth, tomatoes, and seasoning; bring to a simmer.
- Stir in tortellini and cook according to package directions.
- Add cream and spinach during the last 2 minutes.
- Serve with parmesan on top.
Why it works in December:
This is the perfect “after a long day” meal — minimal cleanup, maximum comfort.
3. Sheet Pan Maple Dijon Chicken & Veggies
A complete dinner on one sheet pan — sweet, savory, and seasonal.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: dried rosemary
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Whisk together olive oil, Dijon, maple, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss chicken and veggies with the sauce.
- Spread on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Roast 20–25 minutes, stirring once.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra caramelization.
Why it works in December:
Hands-off, wholesome, and feels festive — perfect for nights when you want dinner to cook itself.
