Savor the Season: Summer Is Just Beginning!

It might still be spring on the calendar, but those sun-soaked summer days are just around the corner, and believe it or not, the end of summer sneaks up fast. Backpacks and routines will be back before we know it. So here’s your friendly nudge: now is the perfect time to plan for how you want summer to end. Having a plan for the wind-down can help you finish the season with intention, gratitude, and maybe even a few last bursts of joy.

Look Ahead at the Story You Want to Tell

As you set up your summer calendar, build in space for reflection. Ask yourself:

• What kind of memories do we want to make?
• What would a “great summer” look like for our family?
• How can we plan now to end the season feeling connected, not frazzled?

Use magnetic arrows to set aside key weeks or where you want to plan an “intentional pause” days later in the summer for rest, connection, or fun.

Plan Now for End-of-Summer Rituals

Before your calendar fills up, carve out time for simple, meaningful traditions to close the season on a high note. These don’t need to be fancy, just thoughtful.

Some of our favorite ideas:

• Backyard campout weekend 
• A backyard cookout with friends 
• Summer scrapbook night in August 
• A “Last Hurrah” family outing before school starts

Use circle sticky notes to brainstorm ideas now with your family, each person gets a say, and you can reserve time while your calendar is still flexible.

Prep for a Smooth Transition

One of the best ways to avoid that end-of-summer panic? Start mapping out the transition now.

Here’s what you can do in May:

• Reserve a few quiet nights on your August calendar now
• Mark key back-to-school prep days 
• Use our dot stickers to visually block out routines or reset dates

Pro tip: Order your All the Things 2025 Calendar now so you're ready when the shift begins. It covers September through December 2025 and helps you stay one step ahead.

Set the Stage for Summer Highlights

As summer winds down, turn your “Home Stretch” quarterly calendar over and repurpose the blank side. Tape it to the fridge or a wall, and invite the whole family to help create a summer “Highlights” page.

Not only is this a fun way to reuse an old calendar sheet, but it’s also a beautiful opportunity to teach even the youngest members of your family to notice the “glimmers” - those small, joy-filled moments that shine through even the most chaotic days.

Let everyone add their favorite memory, doodle a highlight, share what made them smile, or on a personal note: tracking what books we read over the summer that we loved. Over time, you’ll build a collage of gratitude, connection, and favorite moments. One that reflects the story you’ve written together this season.

Here’s to a season that’s not only fun, but full of intention. By planning now for how you want to wind down summer, you’re giving your future self the gift of calm, clarity, and connection. Summer hasn’t started yet, but the way it ends begins today.