From “Maycember to Summer
Several years ago, I heard the term “Maycember”—a clever mashup of May and December—and it stuck with me. It captures the whirlwind that May often becomes: the chaos and busyness of December packed into the already full month of May.
This May has been especially intense for our family. Our daughter graduated from college, and our son wrapped up his junior year of high school. If you have younger kids, consider this your gentle warning: junior year is no joke! Luke’s year was full of highs—joys, opportunities, achievements, but also some tough lows with disappointments and grief. Hailey, too, has been navigating the bittersweet reality of college coming to an end: pride in her accomplishments, mixed with uncertainty and fear about what’s next.
It’s been an emotional rollercoaster for all of us.
Within the first two weeks of May alone, we attended about ten events between the two kids. Miraculously, none overlapped. I’m deeply grateful we could show up for each of them—present, celebratory, and connected.
But now? I feel a bit like I’ve been flung out of a slingshot. Whiplash. And I know I’m not alone.
So, how do we shift from the frenzy of “Maycember” into a season of rest, without shocking our systems? Here’s what I’m planning to do. I hope it gives you some ideas, too:
1. Take a Reset Day
We all know rest is important, but how often do we plan for it? I’m carving out a day at the start of summer to pause, reflect, and reset. I might let the house stay messy, order takeout, and let everyone breathe. No agenda, just space.
2. Mark the Shift
If I slide into summer without pausing to acknowledge the change, the chaos tends to follow. I’m intentionally creating new rhythms—possibly more morning walks, different activities with the kids, or enjoying my quiet morning routine a little longer.
3. Clear Out Spaces
Decluttering physical spaces helps declutter mental space. Backpacks, lunchboxes, homework zones etc… I texted my son as I wrote this: “Please clean out your lunchbox. Maybe this year, we’ll remember before school starts again in three months, ha!” Anyone else relate?
4. Make Plans (But Keep It Light)
Now that our kids are older, they have their own social lives—and don’t always want to hang out with us. But connection is still vital. We’re planning family time, putting it on the calendar, and letting the kids help choose what we do. Intentionality looks different now, but it matters just as much!
Before summer kicks off, take a moment. Reflect. Breathe. Here are a few questions I’m asking myself, and maybe they’ll help you too:
What do I want summer to feel like?
What rhythms from the school year do I want to keep? What can I let go of?
How can I be more present with my family and with myself?
Here’s to a summer that’s restful, meaningful, and full of memories!
