As December winds down and January approaches, you have a wonderful chance to pause, reflect, and prepare your family for the year ahead. Rather than rushing into big promises or resolutions that might feel too hard, you can slowly create meaningful traditions that bring your family closer together while setting yourselves up for a year of growth.
The end of the year is a great time to talk about all the fun things your family did together. This helps kids see how much they’ve grown. It also gives everyone a chance to share their favorite memories. Creating this special thinking time doesn’t need to be hard or formal. The most important part is making sure everyone feels heard and comfortable sharing their thoughts.
Find a cozy spot in your home where everyone feels comfortable hanging out. Then, ask these simple questions that can work for kids of all ages:
“What is one thing you tried for the first time this year?" This can help kids remember moments of bravery and growth. Maybe they tried a new food, made a new friend, or learned to ride a bike.
“What is one thing you got better at this year?" This can help kids recognize their own progress and effort. It could be sharing their toys, using their words when they're upset, or getting dressed by themselves.
“What made you laugh or smile the most this year?” This can help kids look back on happy times. Talk about your funniest or happiest memories and why they brought you joy.
You can also keep a “good things” jar all year long. Every time something nice happens, write it on a piece of paper and put it in the jar. Then at the end of the year, you can read all your happy memories together.
The new year is a perfect time to clean up your house and give things away to others who may need them. This teaches kids about sharing while making your home feel fresh and organized.
First, pick a time that works for your family. You could spend one Saturday cleaning out or do a little bit each day during the week. Then, start with clothes that don’t fit anymore. If you have more than one child, work on one person’s clothes at a time so it doesn’t feel too overwhelming. While you sort, talk to your child about how their old clothes will help other children. This can help them learn about caring for others.
For toys and books, let them help decide what to keep. Ask questions like “Do you still play with this?” or “Would another kid like this toy?” This can help them learn to make thoughtful choices.
Use three boxes or bags with clear labels: Keep, Give Away, and Throw Out. This makes it easy for kids to understand what goes where. It also makes sorting more enjoyable.
Turn big ideas into small actions your family can actually follow. Instead of “be healthier,” try “take a family walk twice a week” or “try one new vegetable each month.” The best goals are ones you can measure.
And don’t forget to celebrate yourselves when you do well! Create simple ways to keep track and reward yourselves even for trying. You could make a calendar that everyone in the family can look at and use. You can also let older kids help mark important dates while younger kids can add stickers to make it pretty and fun.
Kids tend to care more about goals when they help make them. Sit down together and talk about what your family wants to do. Ask questions like, “How can we make our family time more fun?” or “How can we help each other learn new things?” Turn these conversations into specific family goals, like spending more quality time together, being kinder to each other, or trying new experiences together.
Think about starting new family traditions that can help you reach your family goals. You could share three good things that happened that day during dinner each night or have family meetings once a week to talk about how everyone is doing. You might even start new traditions like monthly family adventure days, weekly cooking projects where everyone helps, or bedtime story time where family members take turns telling stories.
This isn’t about being perfect. Be patient with yourself and your family as you try new things. Some activities might become traditions your family loves. Others might not work for you, and that’s okay. You’re setting up your family for a year full of purpose, connection, and happiness.
Whether you have a toddler who’s just learning to set goals or an older child helping with family planning, these traditions can grow and change with your family over time. Start small, keep doing them consistently, and remember that the most important goal is spending quality time together. Get ready for all the wonderful things the new year will bring to your family!
