Things To Do For You In December

December has always felt special to me with all the lights and folks being in a festive mood.
Not to mention the amazing music and yummy treats.
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. 
I’ve learned to love the holidays so much because I stopped letting shopping and socializing drain my energy.
I permit myself to enjoy the season by saying no to things that are draining, and yes to activities that will help me to remember the reason for the season.
December, the end of the year, this is my time to go inward. This is the perfect time to get all cozy, focus on self-care, reflect on the past year, and think ahead to the new year. 
December helps me feel centered and ready to transition into the new year on a positively glowing note.
How do you spend your December? If you’re looking for ideas, here are 31 ideas to uplift you this month:

List your favorite memories, books read, and places visited this past year.
Bake cinnamon apple oatmeal for a wholesome breakfast.
Light candles and cozy up with a blanket to read.
Treat yourself to a massage for soothing comfort.
Bake nutritious energy-boosting muffins to enjoy all month.
Spend time reflecting on goals and dreams.
Take a relaxing Epsom salt bath with eucalyptus essential oil.
Practice daily meditation even for just 5 minutes.
Mix hot cocoa with almond milk, cocoa powder, and maple syrup.
Dream up a bucket list for adventures you’ll have in the new year.
Drink immune-boosting teas with maple syrup and lemon. Add turmeric and a sprinkle of black pepper if you want something with a little more spice!
Treat yourself to a festive beauty advent calendar for some self-pampering.
Make DIY peppermint lip balm or sugar scrubs as gifts.
Listen to an inspiring podcast. (Shameless plug for my podcast, “Is It Me with Brandi Riley“!)

Visit a local holiday artisan fair to pick up gifts.
Go to a neighborhood with many holiday lights and get lost in the beauty.
Incorporate stretching into your morning routine.
Host friends for a cozy holiday movie night.
Regift items that you received but haven’t used to a loving home.
Go to a bakery and get a holiday-themed treat like snowman cookies or cranberry quick bread.
Donate to a good cause. (Check out The Knighten Project to support youth aging out of the foster care system.)
Create a signature winter-themed mocktail or cocktail. I love ginger beer with cranberries for a wintery mock Mule!
Massage your feet with a thick cream and then put on fuzzy socks.
Make baked pears with cinnamon and maple syrup.
Diffuse lavender and peppermint essential oils before you go to sleep.
Set up your new year in your planner.
Phone a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.
Focus on getting enough sleep each night.
Roast Brussels sprouts and carrots, then make brown rice for a super easy, delicious dinner.
Leaf through a journal or look at photos to remember milestones from the past year.
Make time for YOU whatever that looks like!