The Gift of Gratitude – Our Year at the Future Toolbox
Mark Kennedy
25 December 2024
What better gift is there than a whole year of great moments to reflect on? We’ve done it, a whole 12 months
So, Christmas is over. You’ve unwrapped the gifts, devoured the food, and binge-watched every festive movie under the sun. Now, here you are, caught in that weird limbo period between Christmas and New Year. What are you supposed to do with yourself? Are you supposed to be productive? Relax? Or just sit on the sofa wondering what day it even is?
Maybe you’re still feeling all the holiday happiness, basking in the glow of family time and festive fun. Or maybe you’re a bit deflated. The celebrations are coming to an end, and you’re left with a fridge full of leftovers and the vague sense you should be doing something. This time of year can stir up a whole mix of feelings. In this blog we’ll show you how you can use the next few days to step into the New Year with your head in the right place.
The best thing about this time is that it’s yours. You can spend it however you’d like, but if you want to make this time a bit more meaningful (or at least enjoyable) here are some ideas:
Take a look around. Are there Christmas decorations you’re ready to pack away? New gifts that need a home? Do you have clothes in your wardrobe that you haven’t worn all year? Use this time to tidy up a little bit and declutter. It will help you create a sense of order. Your environment can have a big impact on your mood. Clearing away some of the physical mess in your space can also help you feel mentally lighter and less overwhelmed too.
This time of year is a great opportunity to pause and reflect. What went well this year? What didn’t? Maybe you want to write it down, talk it out with a friend, or just think it over. Reflection doesn’t have to be deep or dramatic, it’s just about giving yourself a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. If you’d like to give it a go, you can pick up a copy of our Five-Minute Gratitude Journal here.
Between work, holiday prep, and everything else, chances are there’s been something you’ve been meaning to do. Maybe it’s starting a new book, trying out a recipe, or playing a new video game. This is your time to lean into the things you genuinely enjoy, guilt-free. So, spend some time doing something you love and have some fun!
After all the festive food and couch time, it can feel good to get your body moving. It’s not about punishing yourself for holiday indulgence, exercise is great for both your physical and mental health. The key is doing something that makes you feel good, and that can look different for everyone. So, whether you’re getting outdoors to walk the dog, practicing yoga in your bedroom, or going for a full-on gym session – make sure you’re doing something that you enjoy.
Ah, New Year’s Eve. For some, it’s the ultimate party night, a chance to dress up, celebrate with friends, and welcome the new year in style. For others, it’s an overrated evening filled with pressure to have fun.
If you’re in the mood to celebrate, think about what you’d enjoy doing. A massive party or a packed nightclub might sound exciting, but a smaller gathering with close friends can be just as fun. It’s also important to go into the night with realistic expectations. New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be the best night of the year, and putting too much pressure on it can take the joy out of the moment.
On the other hand, if the idea of a big night out feels like too much, that’s okay too. You can create your own traditions for New Year’s Eve that are just as meaningful. Light some candles, cook your favourite meal, or dive into a movie marathon. And honestly, there’s no shame in skipping the countdown entirely and getting a good night’s sleep. Waking up refreshed and ready to take on January 1st is a pretty great way to start the new year!
Resolutions can feel like a lot of pressure, right? Instead, think of this time as a chance to set a few intentions. What’s one thing you want more of in your life? What’s something you’d like to let go of? Start small. Change doesn’t have to happen all at once.
Try to focus on building habits rather than making big, sweeping statements. For example, instead of saying, “I’m going to get fit,” try, “I’ll move my body three times a week.” Small steps build momentum, and that momentum builds change. If you’d some help with this, take a look at our programme – The Magic Steps to Goal Setting.
The week between Christmas and New Year is your time. Whether you spend it resting, reflecting, or partying, remember that there’s no “right” way to do it. The most important thing is to do whatever feels good to you, so take the pressure off and enjoy the pause. And when in doubt? Go easy on yourself. After all, you’ve just made it through another year and that’s worth celebrating!
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