Christmas often comes with mixed emotions.
There’s celebration, but also exhaustion. Gratitude, but also unfinished plans.
Before rushing into next year, here’s a simple 3-step way to close this year gently.
Step 1: Release what didn’t work
Not everything that failed needs fixing.
Some things were simply not meant for this season of your life.
Ask yourself:
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What effort drained me more than it gave back?
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What expectations can I finally let go of?
Letting go is not quitting—it’s making space.
Step 2: Notice the quiet wins
Not all progress is loud.
Some of the most important growth happens internally.
Reflect on:
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One habit you kept, even on hard days
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One way you handled things better than last year
These moments matter more than milestones.
Step 3: Carry only what feels right
You don’t need to bring everything into the new year.
Choose just one feeling, value, or intention to continue.
Daily reflection prompt:
“What part of this year do I want to honor instead of erase?”
If you’re unsure whether a daily or weekly reflection style suits you, I’ve written a separate post to help you decide—feel free to read that next.