January has a bit of a reputation.
Grey days. Lower energy. Everyone back to routine. Children a little bored. Parents a little tired. The classic January Blues. It’s often seen as something to get through, rather than something to settle into.
But what if January isn’t broken? What if it’s just asking us to move at a different pace?
At Practically Family, we don’t think magic comes from packed schedules or constant activity. More often, it comes from small shifts; changing how a day feels, especially when energy is low.
Here are five gentle ways to bring a little magic to January, without spending money, adding pressure, or feeling like you need to be “on” all the time.
January can feel heavy simply because all the excitement is behind us.
One of the easiest ways to lift that feeling is to create a shared thread of anticipation; something small or big sitting excitedly in the future.
That might be:
It doesn’t need booking, organising or committing to, it just needs to exist. Sometimes, having something to look forward to is half the magic.
It’s tempting to try and “fix” January by filling it up. More plans. More activities. More effort. But January is naturally quieter and there’s something quite magical about leaning into that, rather than pushing against it.
A slower January might look like:
When the pace softens, children often soften with it too.
Instead of constantly answering “what shall we do?”, it can help to create short-lived imaginative worlds. Nothing permanent or Pinterest-perfect, just a slightly different version of normal, for a day or two.
For example:
The magic is in how everyone gets on board including siblings, parents… and yes, even Nan.
One of the most unexpected sources of January magic is being needed. When days feel long and motivation is low, children often thrive when they’re trusted with something that genuinely matters.
That could be:
In quieter seasons, that sense of being trusted and relied upon can be incredibly grounding.
January doesn’t need new things so much as it needs a new lens. The same routines can feel special with the smallest shift
Nothing extra or elaborate, just a gentle reminder that magic isn’t reserved for big occasions.
You don’t need to fill every hour, entertain constantly or force January fun.
Sometimes the most magical thing you can do is change the energy, not the activity.
January isn’t a gap between better months; it’s a season in its own right, just quieter, slower and full of small moments if we let it be.
And while you’re waiting for brighter days - and February Folk - to arrive, that might be more than enough.
At Practically Family, we don’t think magic comes from packed schedules or constant activity. More often, it comes from small shifts; changing how a day feels, especially when energy is low.
Here are five gentle ways to bring a little magic to January, without spending money, adding pressure, or feeling like you need to be “on” all the time.
Give Everyone Something to Look Forward To
January can feel heavy simply because all the excitement is behind us.
One of the easiest ways to lift that feeling is to create a shared thread of anticipation; something small or big sitting excitedly in the future.
That might be:
- choosing one thing to look forward to in February (February Folk, perhaps ;-) ?)
- starting a short countdown to a weekend plan, or a longer one to an Easter mini break
- planning Valentine’s Day, Pancake Day… or inventing your own totally made-up family celebration for January
- even just chatting together about what’s coming next
It doesn’t need booking, organising or committing to, it just needs to exist. Sometimes, having something to look forward to is half the magic.
Let January Be Slower (On Purpose)
It’s tempting to try and “fix” January by filling it up. More plans. More activities. More effort. But January is naturally quieter and there’s something quite magical about leaning into that, rather than pushing against it.
A slower January might look like:
- earlier bedtimes with an extra story
- fewer after-school plans and more shared dinners
- simpler weekends with breakfast in bed
- Sunday walks instead of tackling the to-do list
When the pace softens, children often soften with it too.
Create Temporary Worlds (Not Endless Activities)
Instead of constantly answering “what shall we do?”, it can help to create short-lived imaginative worlds. Nothing permanent or Pinterest-perfect, just a slightly different version of normal, for a day or two.
For example:
- “This week, the living room is a forest.”
- “Tonight, we’re night-watchers.”
- “For two days, we live like explorers.”
The magic is in how everyone gets on board including siblings, parents… and yes, even Nan.
Give Children Something Real to Be Responsible For
One of the most unexpected sources of January magic is being needed. When days feel long and motivation is low, children often thrive when they’re trusted with something that genuinely matters.
That could be:
- feeding the birds
- lighting candles safely
- checking the weather each morning
- setting the table “properly”
- being in charge of one small household job
In quieter seasons, that sense of being trusted and relied upon can be incredibly grounding.
Re-Enchant the Ordinary
January doesn’t need new things so much as it needs a new lens. The same routines can feel special with the smallest shift
- breakfast by torchlight
- dinner by candlelight on a Tuesday
- bedtime stories somewhere unexpected
- getting ready for school with music
Nothing extra or elaborate, just a gentle reminder that magic isn’t reserved for big occasions.
A Gentle January Reminder
You don’t need to fill every hour, entertain constantly or force January fun.
Sometimes the most magical thing you can do is change the energy, not the activity.
January isn’t a gap between better months; it’s a season in its own right, just quieter, slower and full of small moments if we let it be.
And while you’re waiting for brighter days - and February Folk - to arrive, that might be more than enough.
Practically Family
07939 942334 (during Holiday Club weeks only)
