Twixtmas: Making Magic Between Christmas and New Year's Day
The blurry days between the winter holidays present an opportunity to think, dream, and jumpstart creative endeavors.
The first time I took off work the days between Christmas and New Year’s, I started the year feeling fresh, revitalized, and ready to go!
This year, I ran out of PTO, but even still, the work days will be slower with no meetings, and give me time to pause, reflect, and prepare before Jan. 2 hurtles me back into the hustle and bustle of reality.
I can only create in The Fringe Hours, pockets of time between my life’s priorities, so I must prioritize organization and be proactive with my planning. That’s the only way I can open life up to exploring my creativity.
I’ve made a list in my Common Place Book of tasks I can do during these slower days to set me up for more creative hours in the year ahead, and the best part is that I can do them in my pajamas!
My Twixtmas Wish List
There’s no aggressive goal-getting or New Year’s Resolution. Twixtmas is about calm preparation, not hustle. Here’s my collection of tasks created to nurture my future self.
Technology
I wish for a clean digital slate to begin the year.
A fresh 2026 folder on my computer, ready for what’s next.
An inbox that feels lighter—old emails archived, sent items organized, large files deleted.
New email folders created in advance for upcoming projects.
A dedicated space to save kudos, kind words, and compliments.
Time to send thank-you notes to people who made a difference last year.
All outstanding expense reports are submitted.
A decluttered phone and drive—unused apps and files cleared away.
Chargers ready in all the right places–even if that means buying duplicates.
Professional
I wish to step into the year leading with confidence.
A solid to-do list to help me remember where I left off.
A documented list of projects I’m proud of.
An updated resume and LinkedIn profile.
A fresh headshot and an updated Teams photo.
A video-call setup that helps me look and feel my best—good lighting included.
Ideas for professional development and dates noted.
Time & Calendar
I wish for thoughtful planning that supports my time, energy, and attention (and corrals the chaos).
A thoughtful review of how I spend my time.
Fewer, better meetings—reassessing or releasing recurring meetings.
Intentional networking moments: coffee, lunch, or one-on-ones.
PTO clearly blocked and officially submitted.
Focus time protected for projects, reports, and presentations.
A fresh wall calendar for the family key dates, birthdays, and anniversaries noted.
Family & Relationships
I wish to be present and intentional with the people I love.
Family commitments planned with care.
School events, hobbies, and activities clearly noted.
Childcare or pet care thoughtfully arranged for school breaks and travel.
Important dates visible and shared with my family.
Birthdays remembered and celebrated.
Gratitude texts sent for holiday cards received.
Time set aside for the relationships I want to nurture—old friends, extended family, and meaningful date nights.
Health & Wellness
I wish for consistent loving care of my body and mind including movement that feels rewarding, not punishing.
Medical and dental appointments scheduled.
Checkups planned for kids and pets.
Prescriptions refilled and medicine cabinets stocked.
FSA balances reviewed and receipts submitted.
Space to explore what supports my wellbeing—meditation, a new fitness class, or even a library card.
Plenty of rest and permission to move at a gentler pace.
A new wintry-themed library book to romanticize the cold, dark season.
Home & Spaces
I wish for a calm, functional, beautiful space that supports our daily life.
A clean, cleared desk and workspace..
Equipment that works well—comfortable chair, reliable mouse, good lighting.
A home “launchpad” where keys, bags, coats, and essentials live.
Shopping returns handled.
Dry cleaning dropped off and picked up.
A closet edit that leaves only what fits and feels good.
A charity drop off to declutter my house.
A fridge and freezer stocked and ready.
A healthy meal prepared and frozen for busy days.
Christmas decor put away, but leaving a few sparkles and twinkle lights to give light and wonder to dreary January.
Travel & Commuting
I wish for ease and readiness on the move.
Travel documents checked and up to date.
TSA PreCheck scheduled.
Transit and toll balances confirmed.
A well-maintained car—washed, serviced, and road-ready.
A stocked travel toiletry kit, ibuprofen, breath freshener, a hair brush, and lip balm.
New podcasts or audiobooks queued up.
Functional luggage or a great backpack or work tote.
A little cash in my glovebox, just in case.
I know I won’t get to all of these tasks, but having a list will direct my free time and even if a few are done, that’s okay by me.
Merry Twixtmas to all and to all a good night!
What’s your ideal Twixtmas? What else would you add to this list?