It’s 2024 and we have a whole twelve months of new opportunities and adventures ahead of us. But before we launch head first into ‘back to school’ and ‘back to life’, it is worth taking a little time to plan ahead.

What would you like to do this year as a family? Are there places you’d like to visit, skills you want to learn or experiences you’d like to have? During this lull after the Christmas festivities and before normal life fully resumes, take some time to consider ideas and have a family conversation.

Pull an idea from the jar when you’re looking for something fun to do

Why not make a jar of ideas? You can write down your ideas, dreams and plans, and pop them in the jar. Each time you’re looking for something fun to do at the weekend or in the school holidays, you can then pull an idea from the jar to enjoy. Try to include visits to local businesses and attractions – not only will this support your local community, but it makes days out that little bit easier if you’re close to home.

If you are super-organised you might want to crack out a bullet journal or planner and list all your ideas down for easy reference. Making a list of ideas, separating into seasonal or monthly lists, noting any immediate actions needed, and adding any booking links so you have all your information in one spot will make life so much easier when the kids are asking what the plan for the day is!

Are you yearning to go to Disneyland? Do you long to visit relatives abroad? Maybe you want to go skiing for the first time. Whatever you want to do, start planning now to help you get prepared.

Most big ideas take funding, so set up a savings pot for the main item on your ‘dreams’ list, then make another list of things you might need to buy to help those dreams come true. New passports, climate-appropriate clothing, a new set of luggage to name a few.

It’s okay if you only tick off a few items

If your dreams are smaller or more localised, you will still benefit from making a list. Perhaps there’s a festival you’d like to attend in the summer, or you’re planning a holiday with friends a little closer to home. Maybe you’d like to support your children in learning a new skill, such as martial arts. There are so many possibilities and it’s okay if you only tick off a few items from your list.

Tailor your list to your family’s needs

Every family is different and maybe you have extra challenges to consider when making plans. If so, your list might be more bespoke and may include finding accessible places to visit, or attractions with quieter times so that you or your children are not overwhelmed. More and more businesses are catering for these needs, so there are lots of opportunities for you to enjoy family outings.

Personally, I would love to fly an eagle, go to the theatre in the West End, and enjoy a spa day with my girls. These are things I can research and plan for across the year, ensuring there is always something to look forward to during these dark days of midwinter.

Let’s make 2024 a year filled with intentional joy and one to truly remember.