At the start of a New Year, there’s always a cultural push to jump on the opportunity for a fresh start. But in reality, if you’re anything like me and most of the people I know, the start of 2026 is going to find you tired, full of cheese, and a little bummed out.

I promise I’m not trying to be a downer. It’s just that the holiday letdown is a real thing, and if you live in a cold climate like I do, January and February can feel dark and endless. That’s why I think it’s important to do a little winter pre-planning, so you have a strategy in mind to make these first weeks of the New Year slightly brighter and more rewarding for everyone.

Here’s how we’re warming up winter this year:

• Lights (and music) please. Sure, if you leave a Christmas tree up until March, people might look at you funny. But there’s no law that says you can’t make twinkly lights and candles part of your staple winter decor. The cozy glow they provide can give a real boost to your mood during these long weeks of afternoon sunsets. Add a great, upbeat playlist and see if the January doldrums lift a little.
  Add an activity with Drawing Music, Name that Tune, or the Song Game!
• Acts of kindness. We tend to think of giving to others quite a bit during the holiday season, and then maybe somewhat less when the festivities fade. But deliberately seeking ways to do good for others is one of the best antidotes I know to any kind of low mood. Challenge your family to perform one act of kindness every day and share about it at the dinner table, and if you can do more, spend some time identifying a cause you all care about and figuring out how you can pitch in to help.
  Make it crafty: Try Origami Love Notes or Messages in a Bottle to help spread the love.
• Hobbit habits. Po-tay-toes, anyone? Seriously, though, “Hobbitcore” is trending, and it’s easy to see why. The hobbit life is all about slowing down, spending time together, and connecting – to nature, to people, and to yourself. Prime hobbit habits include getting out into the fresh air, even if it’s cold; rewarding yourself afterward with a warm drink; and lingering over comforting, simple meals while telling stories and sharing memories. Pull out your favorite soup and stew recipes, keep plenty of crusty bread on hand, and always have a kettle ready for tea or cocoa.
  Eat like Samwise with a bowl of potato soup or these freezable filled potato skins!
• Regular family nights. Of course we’re always going to favor having a family meal as many nights of the week as possible. But quality is more important than quantity, so if you can’t manage more than one, put it on the calendar and make it a real event. Or, if you’re already having family dinners multiple nights a week, turn one of them into a longer and more intentional opportunity for bonding. Maybe Friday nights become pajama parties, with breakfast for dinner and sleepover activities. Maybe you’ll gather for Sunday dinners with a special menu and a game night to follow. Or maybe you’ll choose one night a week for Dinner and a Movie – we’ve got lots of suggestions to help you brainstorm!
  We sat down with Common Sense Media Editorial Director Betsy Bozdech to talk about all things tech and family in 2026, from her favorite TV and film recommendations to how to handle the rise of AI and other digital concerns. Check out our latest podcast episode for Betsy’s expert advice!

Whether you try all of these ideas, or just pick one or two, finding a meaningful way to boost your mood after the holidays is a New Year’s resolution worth sticking to. Here’s to more meaningful food, fun, and conversation in 2026!

Food

Need a little inspiration for those hobbit dinners? We’ve got lots of family-friendly soup and stew recipes to get you started.

Soups and Stews

Fun

Grab the remote, some themed snacks, and a couple of cozy blankets – it’s time for Dinner and a Movie!

Dinner and a Movie

Conversation

Get a lively debate going with these media-themed conversation starters!