January is here — a fresh chapter, a quieter month, and the perfect time to ease into the new year with gentle family moments, cosy creativity, and a handful of seasonal celebrations. Our “Could Do January” list is intentionally calm, pressure-free, and full of possibilities to help you and your family reconnect after the Christmas rush.
Pick a couple of ideas, mix them around, or simply keep this list nearby for when you need a spark of inspiration. Remember — this is a could do list, not a must do list.
Why Create a January Could-Do List?
Rather than setting rigid resolutions, a “could-do” list focuses on possibilities and inspiration. It’s a chance to embrace the season, try something new, and celebrate both big and small moments. Living seasonally is a great way to escape the busyness of our lives and ground our lives in the now, rather than rushing forward.
January Could Do List
🌠 Quadrantid Meteor Shower – Peak 3–4 January
One of the year’s brightest and most reliable meteor showers, often producing up to 100 shooting stars an hour.
If the skies are clear, bundle up, head outside between midnight and dawn, and see who can spot the first shooting star. A magical, completely free family experience — perfect for starting the year with wonder.
🎭 Celebrate Twelfth Night – 5th January
Wrap up the Christmas season with a Twelfth Night celebration. This age-old tradition marks the official end of the festive period. Mark the end of the festive season with a cosy Twelfth Night bonfire. This age-old tradition involves burning dried Christmas greenery, symbolizing the clearing away of the old year to make way for the new. Gather family and friends around the fire, enjoy warm drinks like mulled cider or hot chocolate, and share stories or sing carols before packing away the holiday season.
Tip: If a bonfire isn’t possible, create a small, symbolic indoor fire in a fireplace or with candles to honour the tradition.
🍰 Make or Eat a Galette des Rois for Epiphany
On 6th January, honour Epiphany with a Galette des Rois (King’s Cake). This delicious French pastry, traditionally filled with frangipane, is a fun and symbolic treat. Hide a small figurine (or bean) inside, and whoever finds it gets to wear the crown!
Recipe inspiration: Easy Galette des Rois.
🐦 Take Part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch – 23 to 25 January
Join the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, a fantastic way to connect with nature and contribute to wildlife conservation. Spend an hour in your garden or local park observing and recording the birds you see. Why not have a go making our birdfeeders?
How to participate: RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch Guide.
🎄 Celebrate Orthodox Christmas Day – 7th January
For those who follow the Orthodox Christian calendar, Christmas is celebrated on 6th January. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn about different cultures and traditions.
Idea: Prepare a traditional Orthodox Christmas meal or decorate with candles and icons to mark the occasion.
🏴☠️ Enjoy Burns Night – 25th January
Celebrate Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, on 25th January. Burns Night is all about traditional Scottish fare like haggis, neeps, and tatties, poetry readings, and whisky toasts.
How to celebrate: Host a small dinner party and recite Burns’ famous poems like “Address to a Haggis.”
🐇 Celebrate the Orthodox New Year 14th January
Mark the beginning of the Eastern Orthodox year with a calm family meal, moments of gratitude, or a simple candle ritual.
🍎 Go Wassailing or Celebrate at Home with Cider
Wassailing, an old English tradition, involves singing to the apple trees to encourage a good harvest. If you can’t attend a traditional wassail, celebrate at home with mulled cider and festive tunes.
Activity idea: Host a mini wassail in your garden with family and friends.
🍊 Make Homemade Marmalade
January is the season for Seville oranges, making it the perfect time to whip up a batch of homemade marmalade. This sweet and tangy spread is a great way to preserve the flavours of the season.
Recipe inspiration: Homemade Marmalade Recipe.
Could Do January Ideas for Families
Here are some easy, meaningful activities to try this month:
💫 Start a New Year Wishes Jar
Gather small pieces of paper and invite everyone to write their dreams, goals or wishes for 2026. Fold and place in a jar. Revisit them at the end of the year — it’s always magical.
🧹 Declutter One Small Space
Choose a toy box, a shelf, a drawer or a corner. A tiny tidy-up can feel incredibly refreshing after the festive whirlwind.
🍪 Have a Cosy Baking Day
Try baking cookies, muffins or a simple cake together. January is made for warm kitchens and slow afternoons.
🎨 Try a New Craft or DIY Project
A winter afternoon is perfect for creativity — maybe a recycled craft, a printable activity, or a nature-inspired make.
📚 Enjoy a No-Screen Night
Light candles, gather blankets and choose something unplugged — a board game, a puzzle, shared reading, or a drawing challenge.
🌲 Go on a Winter Nature Walk
Even a chilly walk around the block can lift spirits. Hunt for winter colours, spot early buds, or combine your walk with birdwatching before the RSPB weekend.
💕 Family Cuddle & Chat Time
Make space for a slow moment together. Talk about favourite holiday memories, what you’re excited for in 2026, or things you want to try this year.
📘 Set a Small Monthly Goal
Easy wins only — a book to finish, drinking more water, daily stretching, or learning one new skill. Let the kids choose their own tiny goal too.
How to Use This Could Do List
- Pick 3–5 ideas that feel right for your family
- Keep the rest for a rainy day or weekend lull
- Use the monthly celebrations as anchors throughout January
- Remember: this is a could do list, not a checklist to complete
Start gently, stay cosy, and enjoy the slow beauty of the first month of 2026 💛
What’s on Your January Could-Do List?
Have other ideas to add to the list? Share your favourite January traditions and activities in the comments below! Let’s make this month a memorable start to 2026.