December has a funny way of slowing us down and speeding us up at the same time. Holiday lights go up, work winds down (at least a little), and we find ourselves looking back on the year we’ve lived—its chaos, its sweetness, its surprises—and wondering how we want the next one to feel.

It’s the season of reflection. And if we let it, it can be the season of action.

Here’s the thing: most of the “I’ll get to it someday” items on our mental lists aren’t actually complicated. They just feel big. But December is an invitation to tackle them with intention, clarity, and maybe a little courage.

Take the Trip

That vacation you’ve been thinking about? The one you keep pushing because the timing isn’t perfect or because you’re waiting for life to settle down? Take it.

Trips don’t have to be glamorous or far away. They just need to be taken. They’re memory-makers, relationship-strengtheners, perspective-shifters. And they remind us that our lives are happening now—not at some theoretical “better time.”

If this year taught you anything, let it be that experiences are worth prioritizing. Go. See the thing. Stand in the place. Take the photo. Feel alive.

Eat the Pie

Life is short, yes—but it’s also meant to be enjoyed. So eat the pie. Or bake the pie. Or share the pie.

This is less about dessert and more about permission. Permission to savor. To indulge. To stop living only for the future version of yourself who will supposedly have more time, more discipline, more certainty.

Joy is not something you earn; it’s something you allow.

Have the Conversation—Especially the Hard One

And then there’s the part everyone avoids, talking to your kids (or your parents) about your estate plan.

It’s not morbid. It’s not depressing. It’s responsible. And strangely enough, it’s loving.

Discussing what you want for your assets, your home, your care, your legacy—it removes guesswork, eliminates stress, and prevents future conflict. It gives your family clarity. It gives you peace of mind.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to navigate the conversation alone.

If you’ve been meaning to update your plan—or you’re ready to share it with your family—schedule your annual peace of mind meeting. Bring your loved ones and let us help facilitate the discussion.

We can guide the conversation, answer questions, and make sure everyone leaves with a clear, confident understanding of your wishes. Sometimes a neutral, experienced professional makes all the difference.

If you’ve been meaning to update your will, designate beneficiaries, assign power of attorney, or simply explain your decisions to the people who matter most, December is a natural time to do it. Gathered families. Warm tables. A spirit of togetherness. It’s not about money—it’s about meaning.

If you’ve been meaning to update your will, designate beneficiaries, assign power of attorney, or simply explain your decisions to the people who matter most, December is a natural time to do it. Gathered families. Warm tables. A spirit of togetherness.

It’s not about money—it’s about meaning.

Reflection Is Only Half the Work

Thinking about your life is easy. Changing it takes intention.

December hands us perspective: What did this year teach me? What do I want next year to feel like? What am I done postponing?

Reflection matters, but action is where growth happens.

So, take the trip. Eat the pie. And have the conversation.

And as the year winds down, give yourself permission to begin the changes you’ve been waiting on. Not in January. Not when life is calmer. But now—while the year is still warm, still glowing, still reminding you what matters most.

Here’s to a December of reflection—and a new year full of courage.

From All of us here at Russo Law Group, have a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!