For the Holidays: How to flow into 2025 with Ease!

The holidays can be magical, but let’s be honest—they can also feel overwhelming. Between gift shopping, family gatherings, and packed schedules, it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos. By the time January 1st arrives, many of us feel drained, emotionally spent, and unprepared for the fresh start the New Year promises.

("SHEESH! Is it 2025 ALREADY?")

But it doesn’t have to be that way!

With just 20 minutes a day, you can carve out a moment of calm amidst the holiday storm and set yourself up for a smooth transition into 2025. A simple journaling practice can help you stay grounded, reflect on what matters, and step into the New Year with clarity and intention.

Why Reflection Matters During the Holidays

The holiday season is one of the most emotionally charged times of the year. It brings joy, connection, and celebration—but it can also stir up stress, unmet expectations, and even conflict… not to mention that one relative who always talks over everyone and doesn’t understand that taking a breath and not dominating the conversation makes the meal more pleasant for everyone.

Taking time to reflect each day can help you:

• Stay Present: Journaling creates a space to slow down and connect with your emotions.

• Gain Perspective: It’s a chance to step back from the busyness and focus on what’s truly important.

• Set Intentions: Instead of waking up January 1st wondering where your life, waistline, and money went, you’ll have a clear plan for what you want to create in the New Year.

The 20-Minute Reflection Practice

Here’s how you can use 20 minutes of journaling each day to stay grounded and focused during the holidays:

Step 1: Create Your Space (2 Minutes)

Find a quiet spot where you can be undisturbed. (Yes, the bathroom totally counts if your house is full of relatives.) Light a candle, play soft music, grab a warm drink, or just think happy thoughts—whatever makes you feel calm and fancy.

Step 2: Reflect on a Daily Prompt (15 Minutes)

Each day, pick a prompt from the list below to guide your journaling. You don’t need perfect answers; just write whatever comes to mind and let it flow. Typos and tangents are 100% allowed.

Daily Prompts for Reflection

December 24: Celebrating Achievements

• Prompt: What accomplishments am I most proud of from 2024? How can I honor my growth?

• Action: List your accomplishments along with the sacrifices you made—like skipping Netflix binges—to make them happen. Then sit and smile about it, knowing that YOUR recognition is the most important one. Look in the mirror and give yourself a pat on the back. (Seriously!)

  
  

December 25: Connection and Love

• Prompt: Who are the people I’m most thankful for, and why?

• Action: Reach out to three people and tell them how much they mean to you. Bonus points if you can do it without sounding like you’ve had too much eggnog.

  
  

December 26: Letting Go of Stress

• Prompt: What stressors have I been holding onto, and how can I let them go?

• Action: Imagine your heart spreading love like a giant supernova. Forgive everyone (including yourself) because holding onto grudges is soooo last year—and damaging to you! Forgiveness IS self-care.

  
  

December 27: Lessons Learned

• Prompt: What were the biggest lessons I learned in 2024? How have they shaped who I am today?

• Action: Write down 1-5 lessons and make a resolution to introduce new habits or thought patterns that ensure you’ve truly learned from these challenges. Add reminders to your calendar for accountability.

  
  

December 28: Gratitude for the Unexpected Delights of 2024

• Prompt: What am I grateful for from this past year, up to today? How can I savor these feelings of gratitude in my life right now?

• Action: Celebrate this! Share with a friend, or simply sit quietly and relish the joy.

  
  

December 29: Reconnecting with Joy

• Prompt: What activities, people, or moments bring me the most joy? How can I invite more of this into my life?

• Action: Make a list of 10 things you’d love to do in 2025—even if they’re pipe dreams. Dream big!

  
  

December 30: Vision for the Future

• Prompt: What meaningful goals do I want to create, experience, or achieve in 2025? Why do they matter to me?

• Action: Review your goals. Adjust them if needed. Then think about one actionable step to move toward them in January.

  
  

December 31: Releasing the Old Year

• Prompt: What thoughts, habits, or patterns no longer serve me?

• Action: Write down 5 things to let go of. Then, safely burn or tear up the list. It’s like decluttering your soul.

  
  

January 1: Setting Intentions for 2025

• Prompt: What are my intentions for the year ahead?

• Action: Create a simple vision board or sketch your dream life for 2025. No magazines? Just close your eyes and picture your best self thriving.

Step 3: Ground Yourself (3 Minutes)

Close your journal, take a few deep breaths, and carry those insights into your day.

Why This Works

When you pause to reflect, you shift your focus from external chaos to your inner world.

This daily practice can help you:

• Avoid the post-holiday “crash” by staying connected to what matters.

• Transition into the New Year with a sense of flow rather than pressure.

• Strengthen your emotional resilience, even during stressful moments.

A New Year with Intention

Imagine stepping into January feeling clear, calm, and ready to conquer the world—or at least your laundry pile. This practice is a gift to yourself, and it might just set the tone for your best year yet.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and meaningful moments. 

Happy journaling!

Janice Martin / Aria Sky