Reclaiming Routine: 9 Tips for Restoring Order Post-Holidays

The holidays are such a wonderful time, full of excitement, laughter, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of chaos! Between wrapping gifts, gathering with family, cooking up festive meals, and enjoying late-night celebrations, our homes and schedules can end up feeling a bit messy. If you’re a mom, you might find it especially tough to get back into the swing of things once the holiday fun winds down.

If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the holiday aftermath, don’t worry—you’re definitely not alone! It’s the perfect time to take back your routine and add a little order to your days. With some simple and friendly tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a calmer, more organized post-holiday routine in no time. Let’s do this together!

1. Start with Self-Care

Before you dive into cleaning, organizing, and re-establishing a schedule for the family, take a moment to care for yourself. The holiday season often leaves moms feeling burnt out, so make self-care a priority. Take a long bath, read a book, or enjoy a quiet cup of coffee. A refreshed mom is the best kind of mom to bring order back to the house.

Tip: How about setting aside some “me time” in the next few weeks? Even just a quick 10-minute break each day can make a big difference! Whether it's enjoying a morning walk or taking a few moments to meditate, giving yourself this time to recharge will help you tackle everything else with a smile. Enjoy your moments!

2. Declutter the Aftermath

The holiday season tends to leave piles of new toys, gadgets, clothes, and decor in its wake. Start by decluttering your home—especially the areas that tend to gather the most stuff, like the living room or entryway. Clear the clutter first, and tackle one room at a time to help get things organized. This will make it feel easier to get back to normal life.

Tip: Why not give the “one-in, one-out” rule a try? Every time you bring a new toy or item into your home, make it a fun habit to donate or toss something that you don’t need anymore. This way, you’ll keep clutter at bay and make space for the things you really love!

3. Get Back to Your Family’s Routine

Once the dust has settled and the clutter is cleared, it’s time to restore your family’s routine. The holidays throw off everyone’s schedules, and it can feel like a challenge to get back to school runs, meal planning, and bedtime rituals.

Tip: Take it easy getting back into your routine. If your kids have been staying up late or sleeping in, try moving bedtime by 15 minutes each night until you're back to normal. Add in things like story time, family dinners, or a morning routine to help everyone get into a steady groove.

4. Set Realistic Goals for the Week Ahead

You might feel the pressure to accomplish everything at once: cleaning, shopping, planning, and organizing. But remember, it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your family. Focus on one goal at a time, and break it down into smaller, manageable tasks.

Tip: 

Focus on what'll make the biggest difference first, like helping the kids get back into their routine or straightening up the shared spaces. Celebrate the little victories as you go, and don't worry about getting everything done in one day.

5. Incorporate Small Acts of Connection

After the busy holiday season, it’s easy to feel disconnected from your family or partners. Rebuilding your routine is a great opportunity to incorporate small acts of connection into your day-to-day life. Whether it’s a quick chat over coffee, a hug before school, or an evening family game, these little moments can strengthen relationships and bring a sense of peace to your home.

Tip: Try putting your phone away during family meals or before bed, and enjoy some time together without screens. Little changes like these can really help you feel more connected.

6. Get Organized for the Year Ahead

January is a great time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the new one. Whether it’s organizing your pantry, updating family calendars, or planning upcoming events, a little bit of forward-thinking can help keep things running smoothly throughout the year.

Tip: Make sure to take a moment to update your important calendars—like doctor’s appointments, school events, and family vacations! Keeping everything organized will help you stay on top of upcoming tasks and create a more enjoyable and smooth year ahead. You've got this!

7. Focus on Meal Planning

After the indulgent meals and snacks of the holiday season, getting back to healthy eating can be a bit of a challenge. One of the easiest ways to restore order is to plan your meals for the week. This will save you time, reduce stress, and ensure everyone gets the nutrients they need.

Tip: Turn meal prep into a weekly fiesta! Choose a day to plot, shop, and concoct some scrumptious dishes ahead of time. This quirky habit can zap the stress of the eternal "What's for dinner?" conundrum and transform mealtime into a piece of cake. Enjoy the extra time you'll gain throughout the week!

8. Enlist the Help of Your Family

Getting your family involved in the post-holiday reset can help restore order and bring a sense of teamwork to your home. Encourage the kids to help with small tasks like putting away decorations, sorting through their toys, or wiping down surfaces.

Tip: Transform chores into a wacky competition! Hit that timer and see who can zoom through their tasks like a cleaning superhero on fast-forward. Not only will you blast through the to-do list quicker than a caffeinated squirrel, but you'll also turn the whole ordeal into a laugh-a-minute adventure for everyone involved!

9. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

The holidays can take a toll on even the most organized families, and it’s important to recognize that getting back into a routine takes time. Don’t be too hard on yourself if everything isn’t perfect right away. Be kind to yourself as you ease into a post-holiday routine.

Tip: Remember that routines are fluid, not rigid. Life will continue to present challenges, but having a routine in place makes it easier to manage whatever comes your way.

Reclaiming your routine after the holidays doesn’t have to feel like a daunting task. By taking small steps to declutter, reconnect, and plan ahead, you can restore order to your home and start the year off with intention. Remember, a little bit of structure goes a long way, and you’ve got this!

Happy New Year, and here’s to a calmer, more organized routine ahead!