5 Top Tips to Make the Most of the Week Between Christmas and New Year’s

That magical week between Christmas and New Year’s is a true Aussie treasure. A time when the whole country seems to exhale and hit pause. The kids are off school, many workplaces are closed and the summer sun beckons. While it’s tempting to let the days drift by in a blur of beach trips and backyard cricket, this unique period offers families a golden opportunity to connect, recharge and set yourselves up for a brilliant year ahead. Here are five ways to make the most of it.

1. Say Yes to Spontaneous Adventures

This is the perfect time to break the routine and embrace spontaneity with your family. Head to the beach at sunset instead of midday. Pack a surprise picnic and drive to that lookout you’ve been meaning to visit. Let the kids stay up late for backyard stargazing. These unplanned moments often become the memories your children will treasure most. The beauty of this week is that there’s no Monday morning rush looming, so you can afford to be flexible and follow where the day takes you. Whether it’s exploring rockpools, finding a new swimming spot or simply having an impromptu water fight in the backyard, spontaneity is your friend.

2. Create Tech-Free Zones (Even for the Adults)

We know—easier said than done. But this week between Christmas and New Year’s is ideal for establishing some healthy boundaries around screens for the whole family. Try tech-free mornings where everyone engages in board games, reading, or outdoor play. Or make dinner time a phone-free zone where you actually talk about the day. You don’t need to go completely offline, but creating intentional pockets of unplugged time helps everyone be more present. You might be surprised how much your kids (and you!) enjoy the break from constant notifications and screens. Use this time to rediscover simple pleasures — teaching the kids a card game, building sandcastles or just lying on the grass watching clouds.

3. Tackle One Family Project Together

Choose something fun and achievable that everyone can contribute to—even the littlest family members. Maybe it’s sorting through toys to donate, creating a family photo album from the year, organising the garage so you can actually find the cricket bat or planting a veggie garden together. Not only does this give you a sense of accomplishment heading into the new year, but working together on something tangible teaches kids valuable lessons about teamwork and the satisfaction of completing a task. Plus, you’ll have freed up space and energy for the year ahead without it feeling like a chore.

4. Mix Connection with Downtime

The pressure of Christmas hosting is over, which makes this the perfect time for low-key catch-ups that work for families. Invite friends over for a casual BBQ where the kids can run wild while the adults relax. Meet up at the local pool or park—somewhere the children can entertain themselves while you enjoy adult conversation. Balance these social moments with quiet family time too. Everyone needs to recharge differently, and that’s okay. Some days might be full of action and visitors, while others are perfect for lazy mornings in pyjamas and backyard play. The key is choosing activities that feel good for your family, not obligatory.

5. Plan Something for Your Family to Look Forward To

The post-holiday slump is real, especially when the kids go back to school and routine kicks in. Combat this by planning at least one thing your family can expect in the coming months. It doesn’t need to be expensive — maybe it’s a camping trip, tickets to a local event, a day trip to somewhere you’ve never been or even just designating a monthly “adventure day.” Involve the kids in the planning process. Having something on the calendar gives everyone a focal point beyond just getting back to the grind. It reminds you that fun and adventure don’t end with the holidays.

The week between Christmas and New Year’s is pure Australian gold. Balmy evenings, relaxed days and quality time with the people who matter most. Rather than letting it slip by in a blur or stressing about being productive, embrace its unique rhythm. Rest together, play together and take a breath before the new year begins. How your family spends this in-between time often sets the tone for the twelve months ahead. Make it count, make it simple and most importantly, make it yours.