The “12 Days of Christmas” – from December 25th to January 5th – is for relaxation, vacation, family and New Year celebration – that’s why it’s one of my favorite times of the year.

I love that, even after Christmas, the tree does not come down right away, and decorations remain up the first week of the New Year. I also get to spend time with loved ones that I only get to see for special occasions. I genuinely cherish these moments.

If you’re enjoying vacation this week, here are a few unique ways to spend your time off.

Rest: It’s been a busy month or more of preparations. This is a time to rest. Don’t feel bad spending a little extra time in your pajamas. Lounge over extra cups of cocoa or coffee, linger over meals and enjoy comfort food. Take a nap! Whatever you do, make sure you’re spending as much free time as you can doing what you love most.

Start a Vision Board: Have you made your resolutions for 2017? Visualization is one of the most powerful mind exercises you can do, and vision boards work to help you manifest what you aspire to do or have. These are a great way to depict goals and dreams in all areas of your life, or in just one specific area that you are focusing on. Get started by going through magazines and choosing words and images that inspire you and make you feel good.

Donate Unwanted Items: Did you receive items that don’t fit correctly or doesn’t cater to your style? For me, sometimes there’s a lot more gratification putting those things in the hands of people who need them rather than racing to the store to trade it in for another item that I want. This is also a great time to donate unwanted items from your wardrobe, and clean out your closet ahead of 2017.

 

Shop After-Christmas Sales: The holiday shopping season starts on Thanksgiving and officially ends on Christmas. Some of the best deals and sales, however, start on December 26 when retailers drop prices to make room for a new year of inventory!

Tell Me: How do you spend your time off during the 12 Days of Christmas?