10 Things I do at the End of the Year

I am a strong believer in Rituals. They represent the transition moments that will help us link the future to the past through the present. 

My ritualistic self usually comes alive towards the end of the year, when I intentionally engage in the things that have meaning to me as well as to bring closure to my year so that I can freely transition into the New Year with clarity and newness. It helps me mark the passage of time.

So beside the usual decorating a tree, buying gifts e.t.c., Here are some of my important things that I do at year end:

1.  Cleaning Nazi – I clean the house thoroughly. I experience a strong urge to purge the house of all hidden and buried dust, dirt or stains. I usually don’t do it all in one day (it will kill me). I tackle one corner of the house at a time. It feels so good when I tick off a section as “done.”

 2.  Eliminating Clutter – Similar to the urge to clean, I also go through my closet and sort out items I no longer need, clothes and items I can give away to others. I make sure that the clutter that has piled through the year is gone, especially items I did not use from the previous season or during the year. It gives me a chance to also discover some favourite things I have forgotten about.

3.  Writing a Gratitude List – One of my love languages is “Acts of Service” and David speaks it fluently. I write a special note to David every year to let him know how much I appreciate him. I started a tradition since we got married to write him a list of 10 things I’m grateful for through the year, things that he has done to bless me as my husband.

4.  Throwing Parties – David and I (along with friends) plan a Christmas party. OK, let me correct it….parties!  We have a tradition that we have started with our friends, Joylynn and Dave in Capri. It’s a fun theme party for a few couples to celebrate together.

On Christmas day, David and I also plan to celebrate Christmas in a cultural way, especially the Nigerian way with our Nigerian/African friends and family who are in town.

 5.  Our Family Tradition – Along with the Traditional Christmas party, David and I have adopted my family tradition of making “chin-chin” (a Nigerian pastry) on Christmas Eve, which we share with friends. Chin-chin takes hours to make, and always a joy to give away.

6.  Watching a Show – Although this year we may miss this one, David and I have a tradition of watching a Broadway show or Theatre Production. There seems to be nothing we both enjoy this year, so we might replace it with the Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

7.  Thank You Letters & Wishes – I take time to write thank you letters to friends, Patrons, colleagues and partners who have journeyed with us through the year. This usually is a summary of the year, and also a focused thank you to express my sincere gratitude for all the love and support that David and I have received through the year.

8.  Silence and Solitude Retreat – I take time alone to reflect, read through old journals, meditate, examine my heart, release heavy emotions, and celebrate the blessings of the year. I also spend time to listen to God for how He wants me to live or spend my time and energy. I spend time re-aligning my heart back to God. I’m aware that it is so easy to drift and come out of alignment due to the busyness of life. This time stills my soul and restores my spirit.

 9.  Eve of the New Year – We like to watch either the sun set on the year, or have an outing with friends as a way of saying goodbye. It helps me re-calibrate my heart for the New Year. This is when I remind myself of all that I desire for the year ahead, especially after my time of silence & solitude.

 10.  Rest – I left this for last because it is usually intertwined with some of the rituals and activities around Christmas and New Year. I seriously shut down the engine and veg. I make sure that there are days in between festivities where I do absolutely nothing, other than the necessary such as food, shower, maybe a walk or watch movies. The idea for me is to have a real break!

Now your turn…How about you? How you do you usually end your year? Do you have rituals?