As the year comes to a close, it’s natural to reflect on the year past, and to begin dreaming of and planning for the year upcoming.

With visions of Christmas still dancing in my head, I’ve been thinking a lot about traditions. Our family does not have a strong tradition around the New Year, and so we’re starting a new one!

On New Year’s Eve, we’ll each write down some things from 2015 that we’re happy to say goodbye to, such as health, job, or school challenges. We’ll give thanks for the experiences and for the lessons learned, and then we’ll set those pages on fire.

From the flames of the past, we’ll each light a candle to illuminate the future.

With candles glowing brightly, we’ll celebrate our successes from 2015, and share with each other the good things from 2015 that we’d like to continue into the new year — people, feelings and experiences that we want more of. We’ll set an intention for new and wonderful experiences that we’d  like to have. Maybe we’ll even each choose a theme for the New Year, like gratitude, ease or courage. (Thanks, Phyllis Ginsberg, for that inspiration!)

That’s how I picture it anyway. Maybe we’ll just burn the house down! But then again, maybe some unexpected magic will come out of this new tradition…

Your Turn

In the comments below, I’d love to hear how your family ushers in the New Year. What is your tradition? What are you grateful for from 2015? What are you looking forward to in 2016 for your exceptional child, yourself or your family?