There’s something about the stretch between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve that feels like you’re holding your breath and then a very long exhale. The gifts will soon be unwrapped, the guests will be leaving, and time itself seems to loosen its belt a notch. This is a reminder that it’s not the week for power moves, but to release, relax and ease your way out of this year and into the next. This is the week for powering down as we get ready to power up for the next.
“Oh, the weather outside is frightful.” If this year felt like being stuck in a snow globe that a toddler wouldn’t put down, you aren’t alone. But for now, channel that “still, still, still,” energy. Imagine if you will, closing your eyes, and as you breathe, picturing all the snow just slowly falling around you, creating a calm and beautiful scene. Using your mind and breath is a perfect way to settle any storms that may arise within you this week!
“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.” This may sound hypocritical to the snow globe effect, but it’s a different mindset! This is the song you are sing when things start to get out of control, and you feel the need to fix and fuss about things that really don’t matter. You are going to sing to yourself, “let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.” Because chances are you’ve had enough running around, late nights and odd eating schedules to offer yourself a pass or two! Just let things go, let it snow! It will be ok!
“Sleep in heavenly peace.” Sleep deserves special mention, this week and always! This week offers a rare gift: permission to rest. Take it. Let your bedtime drift in a little earlier. Let mornings arrive without an alarm when possible. Good sleep is not a luxury; it’s the bow that holds the whole package together and makes it look even better. If you have some time off this week, let yourself get some actual rest!
“Do you hear what I hear?” It’s natural at this time of year to reflect. On holidays past, family and friends you may miss or have lost, and things you wished you could still do or change before year’s end. This is an ok time to reflect, but let’s not revise. Now isn’t the time to rewrite your life story before the ball drops. Notice what may be coming up, write it down if you want, and see if you can move on. If it’s worth carrying into the new year, it’ll come back to mind, we promise. Make your goal not to set goals this week, just be! Notice, observe, welcome curiosity and yet, just be.
“I’ll be home for Christmas.” Connection matters. This can be a lonely week for some and an overfull one for others. You may find you aren’t lacking “people” time but missing certain people, or the feelings aren’t the same. It’s ok. And very normal. A short phone call, a shared walk, or even a quiet moment alone can all count as nourishment. There’s no one-size-fits-all stocking stuffer for emotional health. Missing home is hard. Going home and not being the “same” is also hard. Remember the song also says, “if only in my dreams.”
“Should old acquaintance be forgot?” As New Year’s Eve approaches, resist the urge to uncork big matters. This probably isn’t the time to reach out to everyone and anyone you aren’t feeling the best about. However, it may be a great time to let yourself release those feelings, to say, you’re willing to let whatever they did, didn’t do, said or didn’t say be forgotten. That inner forgiveness will always be much more rewarding than an end-of-year ambush. Assume good intentions. Let the year end the way it probably started, perfectly imperfect.
This week is likely to feel extremely long and shorter all at once; however, if we’re lucky, we all end up at the same place, 2026! We all have the same amount of time, it’s how we use it. It’s how we think and speak in our minds. It’s the grace we give ourselves to be and exist with less pressure. Offering that to yourself may be the best thing you have done all year! May this week fall gently on you all and may you feel that sensation of, “all is calm, all is bright” as you end this year just right!