Rest, Reflect, and Recharge: Making the Most of the End of the Year
Anisha Grossett • November 28, 2025
December has a way of sneaking up on us, doesn’t it? One moment, we’re kicking off a new year with fresh goals, and the next, we’re knee-deep in holiday plans, wrapping up projects, and trying to catch our breath. For early childhood educators and leaders, this time of year can feel especially heavy — the final push before the holidays often comes with its own mix of joy, exhaustion, and reflection.
But here’s the truth: the end of the year is not just a closing chapter. It’s an invitation — to pause, to rest, and to prepare ourselves for what’s to come.
This December, let’s shift the focus from “finishing strong” to “resting strong.” Because when you rest well, you’re not stepping back — you’re stepping into the new year with clarity, energy, and purpose.
1. Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down
You’ve given so much of yourself this year — to children, families, colleagues, and your community. Take a moment to remind yourself: rest is productive.
✨ Reflection Question:
- When was the last time you rested without guilt?
- What does true rest look like for you — is it a nap, a long walk, reading, or simply doing nothing?
Tip: Schedule downtime in your calendar this month as intentionally as you would a meeting. Protect that space.
2. Reflect Before You Reset
Instead of rushing to set new goals, pause to reflect. Reflection helps us celebrate our wins, learn from our challenges, and close out the year with gratitude.
✨ Reflection Questions:
- What moment this year made you feel most proud in your role?
- What did you learn about yourself as a leader, educator, or professional?
- Where did you grow the most?
Tip: Try journaling or voice-recording your reflections. Sometimes, speaking them aloud brings clarity.
3. Reconnect With Joy
December is a beautiful time to return to the things that bring you joy. Not the “shoulds” or obligations — but the activities, people, and spaces that recharge your heart.
✨ Reflection Questions:
- What activities light you up that you didn’t make time for this year?
- How can you reintroduce joy into your daily rhythm before the year ends?
Tip: Create a mini “joy list” and intentionally weave at least one small joy into each week.
4. Rest With Intention
Rest isn’t just about stopping — it’s about how you stop.
✨ Practical Rest Tips:
- Try a “digital sunset” and log off devices an hour before bed.
- Reframe sleep as your nightly reset button, not a luxury.
- Set small boundaries with work or social obligations to make space for stillness.
5. Reimagine the Year Ahead
The new year isn’t about reinventing yourself — it’s about realigning with your purpose. Resting and reflecting now sets you up to thrive in January.
✨ Reflection Questions:
- What word or theme do you want to carry into 2026?
- What’s one habit you want to release, and one habit you want to embrace?
Looking Ahead: Start the Year Recharged with the ECC Virtual Summit
As you lean into rest and reflection this December, know that you don’t have to do the reset alone. At The Early Childhood Coach, we’re preparing to kick off the new year with the ECC Virtual Summit (January 17 & 18, 2026) — a space created for you to recharge, learn, and grow alongside an incredible community of early childhood educators, leaders, and changemakers.
This isn’t just another event — it’s the boost you need to step into the new year with fresh energy, new strategies, and the reminder that you are not alone on this journey.
So, let this December be your month of rest and reset. Then join us in January, ready to THRIVE.
✨ Your December Takeaway: Rest isn’t an afterthought. It’s the foundation for everything you’ll step into next year.
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