Making Room for A Meaningful New Year
It’s New Year’s Eve and I want to invite you to WAIT to make any resolutions until you have taken time to reflect upon what is truly most meaningful to you. Rather than set goals for things to DO, perhaps set just one goal for now - to spend a few days reflecting upon how the holidays are going for you and what might make them even more meaningful for you and your family? How did decorating, shopping baking, wrapping go? How were parties, family gatherings, special traditions?
Many of us want to give generously, decorate beautifully and attend all the parties. But we also want our homes—and the homes of the people we love—to feel calm, welcoming, and not overwhelmed by fatigue, stress and stuff. That tension shows up every year, and it’s worth pausing to talk about it.
When Giving Starts to Feel Complicated
I hear this question a lot: How do I make the holidays special without cluttering up my home—or someone else’s? Sometimes we buy gifts simply because we don’t know what else to do. And gifts are lovely. If exchanging presents is meaningful to you and the people in your life, that’s beautiful. There’s no right or wrong there. But sometimes the pressure to buy, wrap, and fill space can feel heavier than joyful.
Shifting the Focus to What You Love
When we slow down, other possibilities start to surface. The holidays can be about games around the table, stories that get told every year, or pulling out old photo albums and laughing at memories. They can look like baking together, making something by hand, or doing a small act of community service side by side. These moments don’t take up shelf space, but they often take up a lot of space in our hearts.
Choosing What Fits This Season of Your Life
One of the most important questions to ask yourself is this: What do I really love about the holidays? Is it the gathering? The decorations? A favorite food you only make once a year? And just as important—what do I want to put my time and energy into right now? Maybe this season of your life is not about buying and wrapping a lot of gifts. Or maybe it is. Both are okay. What matters is choosing what will genuinely make you and your loved ones happy—and giving yourself permission to do that.
As you move through this season, remember that the most meaningful traditions are the ones that feel aligned with who you are right now. When your choices reflect what you truly value, the holidays tend to feel lighter, calmer, and far more special.
Pinky Jackson is a Decluttering Specialist and Home Organizing Expert. If you need expert organizing help, don't hesitate to reach out. Pinky and her team would love to help you. Onsite Organizing services are available in the Louisville, KY area and Virtual Organizing services are offered for clients in other locations and for those who prefer to work online. Visit pinkyjackson.com to learn about our services and schedule a free assessment.
Photo: Nicole Michalou @nicole-michalou
