The week between Christmas and New Year’s can feel like an emotional and mental wasteland. It’s Twixmas (December 27th to 30th, derived from an Old English word meaning “between”), the “in-between” period. Four blank days, nothing, even though it’s still considered part of the holiday. But (usually) there are no parties to attend, no family gatherings, and no presents to open.
For some, this week may feel like a huge disappointment as all the holiday events and family events are gone. There is a sense of purposelessness, loss, apathy, and almost sadness. Similarly, these same people may not be looking forward to next year, especially due to the uncertainty of this year.
But what if we took this week as another opportunity to kindle the fire in our lives, reflect and pray for what the year ahead holds for our emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual journeys, giving us something to look forward to instead of fearing?
Here are some suggestions on how to make the most of the week between Christmas and New Year.
1. Set goals for the new year.
spiritual goals
The new year is a new opportunity to press “refresh” and start your spiritual journey anew. One way to do this is to choose a Bible verse or verse that will be your focus for the year. Words like holiness, joy, self-control, gentleness, humility, purity, or scriptures like Psalm 90:12. Hebrews 3:13. Reading Ephesians 4:1-3 or 4:32 will help you grow in godliness, maturity, and Christlikeness.
physical goals
Setting new exercise and eating goals are two of the most common goals set (and broken) every year, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth pursuing. Our bodies are sacred and holy, they are the “home” of the Holy Spirit. What better way to show God that we appreciate our “temple” than by taking good care of it? Exercise programs don’t have to be strict. Maybe it’s something as simple as 10 minutes of chair aerobics or a walk (slow or brisk) around your neighborhood or park. For more hardcore enthusiasts, that might mean joining a gym or YMCA, a hiking or cycling club, taking a Pilates or yoga class, a swimming or spin class, or a variety of other high-impact activities. The options are endless.
When it comes to diet, it can be as simple as reducing your sugar and salt intake. Eat carrot sticks or apples instead of cookies or chips. Start with small changes and work your way from there. Remember to be realistic.
intellectual goals
Start 2024 by avoiding the social media mayhem and turning to something more spiritually stimulating, like podcasts. The list of good and godly people who speak truth and encouragement is long. Favorites include Russell Moore, Phil Vischer, Sky Jettany, Family Life Today, Alisa Childers, Annie F. Downs, Lina Abujamura, Timothy McKee, Jonathan Collins, and more. Check out others at Christianity.com.
During this week, research and compile a list of Christian biographies (past and/or present) or books that inspire your spiritual walk, and set a goal to read one book a month. Start your list of great devotional books by checking out onlinechristiancolleges.com and christianbook.com.
Plus, there are always great Christian novels, movies, and TV shows to help you forget about the day-to-day and enjoy a little escape. Goodreads has a great list of fiction here. For movies and television, his credits include The Chosen, I Can Only Imagine, The Mission, Miracles from Heaven, War Room, and The Case for Christ.
mission goals
The new year may offer you the chance to participate in new ministries you’ve never done before that have the potential to stretch and grow you personally, spiritually, and even professionally.
During this “in-between” week, pray about where God would have you serve next year. Perhaps God wants you to continue in your current ministry. But for those who are not currently serving, there are many ministries to get involved in, such as daycare and children’s programs, leading small groups and Bible studies, serving as ushers and ushers, and more.
There are also many opportunities to serve within the community. This could include serving at a food pantry, mentoring students in need, visiting seniors at a nursing home, or volunteering at a hospital.
Pray about your level of dedication as well. You may be able to commit to serving once a week, once a month, or just once a year. Regardless of how much time you are able to give, it will be meaningful and a blessing to others as well as yourself.
social goals
Who doesn’t love a fun gathering? After all, you just finished a weekend (if not an entire month).
Twimas is a good time to look at your 2024 calendar and plan specific time to spend with your family, such as Sunday dinner once a month. Why not host regular game nights with your friends?
And don’t forget about your loved ones. Maybe you forgot a special date. This year could be a new opportunity to re-establish them. The same goes for children. They also need undivided time with you. Set aside one day a month to take your child out for a fun and meaningful activity.
creative goals
A new year opens the door to new adventures and pursuits. Have you ever had a hobby or passion that you put aside for some reason? Perhaps this is the year you pick it up again.
Or maybe you want to try something completely new. Have you ever wanted to write a book? Join a local writers’ group. Have you ever wanted to try your hand at drawing or painting? Take a class for beginners.
This week, explore the places you can pursue your creative passions: pottery, scrapbooking, ironwork, quilting and knitting, cooking and baking, photography, karate and kickboxing, jewelry making, glassblowing, and more. You name it, there’s probably a class or workshop for it.
2. Reorganization and relocation
With the holidays over, this week is the perfect time to declutter your home. Do you have an overflowing closet? Take a day (or two) to go from chaotic to controlled. Tired of the same furniture arrangement in your living room? Sometimes a new arrangement can do just the thing to give your home a fresh feel.
Tidying up is a good way to start the new year.
3. Relax and recover
Of course, there’s always the option of doing nothing during Twimas when energy levels and motivation are low. Take some time to cuddle up on the couch and watch your favorite movie or binge-watch that series you’ve been meaning to watch. You can also read best-selling books or do puzzles on your own or with your kids.
He is a life coach and author of “How to Do” Jacqueline Hirst, author of ‘You’ It’s really healthy for you to step away from the hustle and bustle of household chores and routines, and preferably from technology. Using this space and time to take care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally is a great gift to give yourself.
conclusion
The truth is, Twimas is what you create, whether it’s time to set goals, relax, or rejuvenate. The key is to make the most of this time in a way that is meaningful and productive to you.
Photo credit: Unsplash/lilartsy
Dennis is a former newspaper reporter and currently a freelance writer. She has been published in numerous online and print publications. She is also a former women’s Bible study teacher. Dennis’ passion is using his writing to bless, encourage, and inform others. She lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two children (one of whom is grown and flying). You can find Dennis at denisekohlmeyer.com.
