Family New Year’s Resolutions

Setting family New Year’s resolutions –  Every year is filled with emotional ups and downs that define us, that change the very fabric of who we are and how we look at the world for the good and sometimes for the worse. Until we take a moment to reflect on those emotions we sometimes live life too fast, and pass by the most important, the most critical moments in the life of our family. Each year between Christmas and New Year’s day, 

 

we set aside time as a family to reflect on those changes. I’m always so amazed to hear what the defining moments were for my children. They are so frequently different from us as adults, and we forget about the people, places, and things that inspire or change our children….. for better or worse! For us, 2018 was filled with high emotions…. My eldest son married and joined the Army, my daughter, a dancer of six years changed to a new dance studio, and my son entered his senior year of high school. Spending time together in and of itself doesn’t make a family close. Sharing, caring, living and creating your best life together is what makes a family!

Eating black eyed peas, making sure a woman is the first to enter the house on New Year’s Day…there are lots of superstitions and traditions that surround the ringing in of a new year.  In my family, we all write down things we need to “be done with” on a sheet of paper. Then, we have a bonfire and symbolically burn that list. For us, it is a way of letting go and starting anew with the New Year. Another idea that I think is just as lovely is to write a letter to yourself (or alternately to God or whatever higher power you have faith in), expressing your appreciation in advance for all of the good things to come in the next year. Seal it in an envelope, and store it safely.  In six months, or next New Year’s Eve, open the letter. The changes of sentiment, wishes that came true and new loves that are born are filled in the ink on the pages. I’m always amazed how one catastrophe leads into a blessing in disguise!

My friend Chris and their family have a similar tradition. They place a “wish ball” on their Christmas tree.

The wish ball is made to open and small squares of paper fit inside. Each family member writes down hopes and wishes for the coming year.