Must-Do’s for December to Finish Your Year Strong

Welcome back to the Velvet Runway and this feature about Must-Do’s for December to Finish Your Year Strong.

December is here, and while the countdown to New Year’s Eve may feel exciting, it can also be overwhelming. Between the holiday buzz and tying up loose ends, it’s easy to forget to pause and make the most of these last few weeks. After all, who would want to step into the new year with missed deadlines, unresolved issues, and no plans for the upcoming months?

Instead of treating it like a portal to the next year, make December your moment to shine and reset, and if you’re not sure where to start, here is a checklist that will help you close out this year feeling accomplished, stylish, and prepared to step into 2025.

Must-Do’s for December to Finish Your Year Strong

December is not just about holiday celebrations and year-end parties; it’s also the perfect time to reflect, reset, and recharge. Whether you want to tie up loose ends, set the stage for next year, or make the most of this festive season, here are the essential must-do’s to end your year on a high note.

1. Set a Solo Date to Reflect on 2024

December is the perfect time for doing some reflection and understanding where you stand at this particular moment of your life. Plus, when was the last time you truly spent quality time with yourself? Go to your favorite cafe, order a seasonal limited edition drink, grab a notebook, and write down your highlights and lessons from the year.

What made you smile the most in 2024? What challenges taught you resilience? And what’s something you’d love to do differently moving forward? Don’t confuse these reflections with resolutions – you’re not making any plans or setting goals, but rather celebrating how far you’ve come and getting some clarity for the road ahead. 

Reflect on the people, experiences, and moments that brought you joy or growth, and identify what worked and what didn’t, setting a foundation for smarter goal-setting next year.

Optional: Take time to reflect on your financial position too. Analyze your spending habits and identify areas for improvement, and gather any necessary financial documents you need.

2. Get a New Sweater in a Trending Color 

A new year means new trends, but there’s no reason for you to wait until January to give your wardrobe a fresh start when you can wear it now. To add something new and exciting to your collection, just choose a shade that you’ve always wanted to try out but weren’t bold enough to.

For instance, a cozy Irish knit sweater in Misty Blue or Velvet Red is as comfortable as it is eye-catching, and it will surely become your go-to top for the winter of 2025. If you prefer something more muted, but already own enough beige and cream sweaters, a cable-knit Aran cardigan in the shade Ocean Gray makes an excellent layering piece. And if you need some inspiration, check out some timeless Irish sweaters that blend tradition with trendy updates – you’ll find yourself reaching for them well into the new year.

Optional: Take some time to declutter your wardrobe and remove any item that doesn’t serve you

3. Declutter and Organize

Decluttering and organizing your space is crucial for creating a calm, functional environment that boosts productivity and reduces stress. A tidy space minimizes distractions, saves time searching for items, and fosters a sense of accomplishment.

Take some time to declutter (physically and mentally). In order to move forward we need to clear out the past. So, take some time to clear your desk, get organised, declutter the house, declutter your closet and also declutter your mind!

Start small by tackling one area at a time and sorting items into categories: keep, donate, sell, or discard. Use storage solutions like bins, labels, and drawer dividers to maintain order, and establish routines like a daily reset or seasonal purge to prevent clutter from returning.

If you haven’t used an item in a year, consider letting it go, and ask yourself if the item aligns with your current lifestyle or values? If not, it’s time to part ways.

By staying consistent, you’ll create a space that supports your goals and enhances your well-being.

4. Declutter Your Social Media 

When speaking of decluttering, whilst tackling your wardrobe, living room, or those kitchen cupboards filled with all sorts of junk, is obviously important, let’s take it a step further and talk about social media.

We spend hours scrolling through our socials, so why not make it a space that actually inspires you? Take an hour (yes, just one!) to clean up your digital life, meaning unfollow those Instagram accounts that no longer align with your interests, mute those that drain your energy, and delete those blurry shots and duplicate selfies that do nothing but take up storage on your phone.

Your digital space is part of your mental space, and a quick cleanup can help you feel lighter and more focused as you step into the new year.

Optional: Clean up your inbox, delete unused apps, and back up important files.

5. Donate or Regift Items You Don’t Need

No matter how clean and organized you try to keep your home, there are definitely some items that no longer serve you. Whether it’s clothes, books, or random knick-knacks, these trinkets take up space in your home while someone else could actually truly appreciate them.

To make the process easier, create a “donate” pile and set it by the door, so that it will be ready to drop off at a local charity next time you leave the house. If you’re sorting through unopened gifts or things you’ve barely used but are still in excellent condition, why not regift them thoughtfully?

A beautiful scarf you’ve never worn or some Christmas ornaments that don’t fit your holiday color palette could be a perfect present for a friend, just make sure it suits the recipient’s taste. 

6. Prioritize Health and Wellness

Amidst the indulgence of the season, make sure to prioritize your well-being.

For your physical well-being make sure to plan time for rest and relaxation to avoid burnout, and make sure that you get plenty of sleep. Eat mindfully and enjoy holiday treats in moderation without overindulging. Also, when going to all the festive parties make sure to stay hydrated.

Schedule regular workouts or walks to stay energized.

December is also a time for relationships, and connection is an important part of mental well-being. Make time for the people who matter most and plan time with friends and family members.

You may also want to volunteer or donate to a cause that aligns with your values—it’s a rewarding way to spread holiday cheer.

Optional: Plan a festive get-together, even if it’s virtual.

7. Plan for the Future

Lay the groundwork for an inspiring and productive year ahead. For example, you might want to create a Vision Board, which is a visual representation of your goals and dreams.

Reflect on the past and the future and think about where you are now and where you want to be. Think about your 3 key areas of improvement for the coming year, and start to think about setting SMART goals in these areas.

Think about the tools you will need to achieve your goals. Maybe, you will need to invest in a planner, maybe you want to investigate gym memberships (depending on your location) or fitness apps. Take some time to think if the image you are portraying is the one you want people to see, and if not, why not? Perhaps, you need to invest in better quality clothes or perhaps you just need to work on co-ordinating your clothes.

Also, remember to START SMALL! For example, don’t try to jump straight into a full fitness program, but catch up on sleep, exercise a little more, eat a little healthier…. you will then be in a better place to tackle big changes later.

Final Thoughts on Must-Do’s for December to Finish Your Year Strong

December is your opportunity to close one chapter and begin another with clarity and purpose. By reflecting on the past, organizing your present, and planning for the future, you’ll set yourself up for a strong start to the new year.

I hope you found this feature about Must-Do’s for December to Finish Your Year Strong helpful, and have a look here for more inspiration.

I will be back soon with more style, lifestyle and travel inspiration and don’t forget to subscribe to make sure you never miss a post,

 

Look good, feel good, live your best life 🙂

With love,