Reflection and Goals For Next Year

The year is almost over. Christmas is right around the corner. 2023 is going to be a good year. The goal is to travel more, and that’s exciting. My best friend is turning 30, so we’re going to Paris and a few other European cities. I’ve never been out of the country before, so I’m a little nervous, but I love learning languages and about different cultures. Learning French and Spanish has been amazing. They are romance languages, and I took Spanish for six years in high school and college. Each language on Duolingo has several categories that make up the units and lessons.  

Some days I can do lessons for hours; others, I only do a few. Today, I am running on a little sleep, so I’m making more mistakes. Being a perfectionist is one of my biggest problems. I will work on something until it is perfect in my eyes. I overthink everything, and very little gets done.

Holidays are great because I set aside time to watch Christmas movies, spend time with friends and overeat. Gifts are my love language, so I love to buy presents for my loved ones. Various circumstances can make this time of year unbearable, and if that’s the case for you, maybe these tips will help.

Find one aspect of the holiday you enjoy/find a holiday to be your Christmas.

I used to only like getting presents, eating good food, and watching holiday specials on television. I celebrate Christmas with my best friend, and we have our new traditions. We watch Hallmark movies all season long. She makes a lot of delicious food, and we celebrate St. Nicholas Day or Krampusnacht, where you leave out stockings or shoes for Santa or Krampus to leave small gifts in whatever you leave out.

Consider Having A Friendsmas Party

Families can sometimes be emotionally draining. Why not throw a party for your friends sometime in December before Christmas? Even if you still have to hang out with relatives, you don’t like, celebrate the season on your own terms.

Embrace Comfort Items 

Do you have something that brings you comfort? Please take advantage of that whenever possible, when it is needed.

The last few years have been challenging, so take it one day at a time and enjoy what you can this holiday season.