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on December 30, 2020 ·

2021 New Year Reflections

A new year is upon us. As I reflect on 2020 and the various ways it has affected my day to day life, it is hard to look past the difficulties it has presented, and look forward to 2021 full of hope and idealism as I normally would at the beginning of a new year. Even as I write this, if I am being truly honest with myself, I feel somewhat melancholy and am trying with a lot of effort, to muster up the positivity and enthusiasm I normally feel as I look forward to the future and what a new year might hold.

Maybe some of you feel the same. One of the things I’ve learned in my life is that you can’t run from your negative feelings forever. If you do, they will catch up with you in ways that affect your health, your relationships and your ability to live a happy life.

In fact, I’ve found it is always better to face unsettling, negative feelings head on, acknowledge them and give them a voice. Once I’ve done that, they usually fade away on their own and I’m finally able to move on.

That being said, I’ve decided to give my feelings about 2020 a written voice, and put them down on paper this year. Hopefully, it will allow me to move forward into 2021 with a clearer, better vision of what I’ve learned, who I am right now and what I hope to become. By writing this out and sharing it, I hope it gives you permission as well, to acknowledge and accept all that this year has brought into your life, in order to make room for more hope and positive personal action in 2021.

“It is always our own self that we find at the end of the journey. The sooner we face that self, the better.” – Ella Maillart

Things that have been difficult this year for me include –

Relationships. Maybe it’s because so many of us have spent an inordinate amount of time at home this year with family members, as well as checking in with extended family on the phone and online, but this year seems like it has brought out the extremes of all kinds of relationships within my family. Relationships that were already strained have completely broken. This has been difficult for me over the past year, as I’ve watched it unfold between family members I love dearly.
Missed milestones. This year my oldest child graduated from high school and started college. While she is a very upbeat, positive person, for which I am very grateful, it was still difficult for both her and I to accept that she would miss the one prom night she finally had someone to go with (and I’d miss picking out the dress with her!), a traditional high school graduation after so many years of hard work, and the excitement of beginning college as a freshman in the dorms on campus. Along with a lot of milestones for her this year as a budding adult, I also had a son turn 16, and another begin highschool as a freshman, both who were looking forward to their own opportunities for growth that have been drastically changed due to online school, social distancing and shutdowns. It has been difficult as a parent to watch them feel socially isolated, bored and at times angry and frustrated.
A struggling business. Like many small business owners during the pandemic, my online business that I’ve had for 14 years has not been immune to the financial effects of shutting down the economy, people working from home and the general feelings of worry that accompany such a large shift in society’s economic functioning. While I hope things get better in 2021, I am also trying hard to accept and implement the zen belief of ‘who knows what is good or bad’ when it comes to the possibility of a business that I have put so much care, time and effort into, finding its end.
Societal unrest. I have spent a lot of time this year trying to both simultaneously avoid the news, but also be aware of it on an informed level. There have been times I was sucked in for hours, only to have to come up for deep breathing and meditation sessions to try to gain some semblance of understanding for humanity. At other times, I had to completely detach from it in order to not lose all hope. Focusing on the people that I came into contact with in my own small corner of the world and bringing them happiness and a smile is what saw me through many days.
Health problems. Several of my extended family members have had COVID and also experienced prolonged effects from it, making it a cause for more worry and concern as I am seeing how the illness affects people close to me, rather than viewing it from a distance. In the latter part of 2019, I also made the decision to slowly decrease a medication I have been on for over ten years. I knew it would be a long road and would decrease my physical and mental energy levels for a time, so I prepared as much as I could to begin the process in November of 2019. Little did I know what 2020 would bring, which has made the journey that much more difficult.

Things that give me hope and bring me positivity for the future and new year –

We are all in this together. Even with experiencing bouts of lost faith in overall human kindness this past year, I continue to find comfort in the everyday communication and acts of kindness within my close circle of family, friends and neighbors. From a neighbor who allowed me to harvest her extra vegetables to coworkers who rally behind me and support me as a person no matter what happens to my business, I have reason to look forward to the future with good people who care about me.
Personal choice. No matter what the future holds, I have the ability to stay positive and make personal choices that help myself and those around me experience happiness. Knowing that as long as I choose this positive outlook, things will never go completely dark, brings hope and the desire to work towards positive changes in all areas of my life. I’ve committed to personal learning, family time and making healthy lifestyle choices this coming year as well as serving others where I can, in order to increase hope and positivity in my own life, and in the lives of those around me.

What does this look like in action? For me, taking proactive steps towards building hope and happiness means setting intentional goals for myself, giving myself something to look forward to.

My goals for 2021 include –

Reading feel-good books.

Starting a yoga practice.

Changing my diet to 90% vegetable based meals.

Purchasing all possible items second-hand.

Considering new business ideas.

Volunteering as a ‘listener’ at 7cups.org

Going camping with my family.

Helping my children reach goals that include getting a driver’s license and learning a programming language.

Supporting my husband in reaching his career goals.

Loving myself enough to let certain roles go that no longer serve me or others. (Fixer, moderator, advisor)

While I still feel the weight of what 2020 has brought into my life, the future holds so many possibilities, that it is hard not to see a glimmer of hope among them. Goal setting helps make that glimmer of hope turn into a ray of hope, and that ray may turn into a reality with positive action on my part.

If you’d like to join me on this journey in 2021, I’d love to have you as an accountability partner, discussion friend or simply a watchful community member in my new, free Simply Clearly Community space. I also have a Setting Intentional Goals course available and ready for you to freely work through to create your own goals and personal plan of hope and positivity for the coming year. I’ll see you there!

25 New Year Reflection Questions to Support Your Life Journey

In this post, discover 25 empowering New Year reflection questions to help you reflect on the past year and set goals and intentions for the year to come .

New Year’s Resolutions

“I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. They never work. Haven’t you heard that most people quit their resolutions by the end of January?”

Have you ever heard anyone say these words? Or maybe you’ve said them yourself. To be honest, I’m sure a version of my younger self once echoed these familiar words that I’d heard countless times before.

Now though, I’m not such a big fan of them.

Sure, maybe many people do quit their resolutions early on in the year.

You’re not everyone.

And what other people do with their own resolutions has absolutely nothing to do with you.

And furthermore – sometimes, letting go of a resolution you made weeks or months ago doesn’t automatically equal failure.

For instance, you might realize that your chosen resolution doesn’t actually support your highest good. This happened to me a couple years ago, when I decided for my resolution that I was going to run my second full marathon. At the time, it seemed like a worthwhile goal for the year ahead.

But as I started making training plans, I started to feel like my heart wasn’t truly in it.

I realized that the time I’d have to dedicate to running would take away from hiking, cycling, yoga, and the other physical activities I enjoyed. I had only set this resolution because it felt like something I should do.

But it didn’t actually align with what was in my heart.

So I let go of that resolution and instead chose the path that felt right to me at the time.

And I have zero regrets about that decision.

Another argument people often have against New Year’s resolutions is that we should be able to make resolutions any time of the year. And I one hundred percent agree with this statement.

But why can’t we do both?

I think it’s fair to let yourself make and change your resolutions throughout the year while also embracing the new year as a time for new beginnings.

Finally, it’s important to define what a New Year’s resolution really is. It doesn’t always have to be a quantifiable goal.

Here are some New Year’s resolutions that you can’t quantify, but they all support your overall well-being:

To make more time for self-care
To be more compassionate with yourself
To make space for fun and play
To embrace your limitless creativity
To spend more time with the people you love
To open yourself up to opportunities for more self-love.

So as you think about how you want to step into the new year, know that you don’t have to make some really big proclamation about all the monumental life changes you’re going to make. Sometimes, simply stating that you’re going to make more time for self-care or for creative activities is more than enough to support you on your life journey.

Below, you’ll find 25 new year reflection questions that will help you approach the new year with a vision for who you want to be and what you want to accomplish. The first ten questions are focused on reflecting on this past year, and the rest of the questions are all about setting goals and intentions for this upcoming year.

And remember, while this post is geared toward the new year, I’d definitely encourage you to come back to these questions as often as you want throughout the year to see how your answers change. (And know that if your resolutions do change, that’s okay – as long as they feel true and right to you.)

You May Also Like: 35 New Year Affirmations For Hope & Possibilities

New Year Reflection Questions

How have I grown in the past year? What led me to experiencing this type of growth?
What positive changes have occurred in my life in the past year that I’m most grateful for?
What are some obstacles and challenges I’ve experienced in the past year that I now feel grateful for, even if it was hard to appreciate at the time?
What are some hardships I’ve experienced in the past year, and in what ways have these hardships helped me to grow?
What risks have I taken that I’m glad I took?
What beliefs do I hold now that I didn’t hold a year ago?
What was one of my absolute favorite moments from this past year? What did I love most about this moment? ( You can list multiple moments if you’d like. )
What are 10 things about this past year that I feel truly grateful for?
How would I describe myself right now? What do I love most about the person I am?
How will I remember this past year? What lessons will I carry with me as I move forward in my journey?
What would I do in this next year if I knew I could not fail?
What’s still worth doing, even if I might fail?
What limiting beliefs or fears are holding me back from pursuing my dreams? How can I release these beliefs and/or fears?
What guiding principles, truths, and values will guide my journey over the next year?
How can I cultivate more gratitude and appreciation in my daily life?
What does self-care mean to me? What are some of my favorite self-care activities? How can I incorporate more self-care into my life over the next year?
How can I make space for more fun, play, imagination, and creativity over the next year?
When do I feel happiest? What brings me true joy? How can I allow more joy into my daily experience?
What’s one thing I can do in five minutes a day to support my body, mind, and spirit?
What does my ideal morning routine look like, and how can I build a morning routine that will set myself up for success?
How can I be kinder and more compassionate to myself over the next year? When my inner bully comes out, what can I do to show myself more kindness and love?
What do I need more of in my life? How can I make space for more of this in the next year?
What do I need to release in my life? How can I let go of these things/experiences/people/beliefs to make space for something new?
What’s something I’ve always dreamed of doing but haven’t done yet? Can I make this dream come true this year?
What’s on my lifelong bucket list? Which of these things could I do or accomplish over the next year?

How are you reflecting on this past year and preparing to embrace the new year ahead? Share your favorite tips and practices in the comment box below.

And for more resources on spirituality, meditation, manifestation, and all things self-love, be sure to connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest , where I’m posting positive affirmations and empowering messages daily.

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School Education /

Essay on New Year for School Students: 100, 200 and 300 Words

Updated on
Nov 16, 2023

New Year is not just for celebrations and resolutions, it’s a time to reflect on one’s life, including accomplishments, mistakes, and lessons learned, as well as any new opportunities one may have to improve and enrich it. Students are frequently required to write essays on a variety of topics in school. Check out some of the best samples of essay on new year to inspire your own originality and inspiration. Continue reading.

Essay on New Year in 100 Words

One of the most exciting times of the year is the new year, which is celebrated with joy and festivity all throughout the world. People all around the world are happy because it offers them a chance to start over and build a better future for themselves.

On January 1st, both the Julian and Gregorian calendars observe New Year’s Day. On December 31st, people begin their New Year celebrations. People belonging to different cultures have their unique ways of celebrating this event.

During the New Year, all of the markets, shopping centres, hotels, and eateries are beautifully decorated and provide several discounts. Individuals of all ages come together to ring in the new year with fun and happiness. The beginning of a new year is the ideal moment to start over.

Essay on New Year in 200 Words

Resolutions and new beginnings are common during the New Year’s season. A lot of people set goals for the new year. The excitement, fervour, new outfits, parties on New Year’s Eve, gifts, and loads of fun are all hallmarks of the holiday. On this day, people wish and congratulate their friends and family. A close-knit group cooks and savours a variety of delicacies. This day is celebrated by people worldwide with celebrations and fireworks.

In addition, many celebrate in their places of employment and plan different get-togethers and celebrations for their staff members to add some new life to their days. The invigorating new beginning that the new year offers to everyone’s life is its best feature. Everybody has the opportunity to start over, full of optimism, and look forward to a bright future as the calendar resets.

Children are also brimming with happiness and excitement, as well as blessings from their loved ones, new clothes, gifts, and candies. Numerous educational institutions host comprehensive growth initiatives that begin on Christmas Day and run through New Year’s Eve. People carry on the lessons they have acquired from their past failures.

Essay on New Year in 300 Words

Every year on New Year’s Eve, people celebrate and remember the previous year by having a great time and exchanging gifts, decorations, and delicious food. It’s a time when people from all over the world start over.

Gregorian New Year, which falls on January 1st, is marked by a huge party. It is also said to be the Julian calendar’s New Year’s Day. Rome’s Julius Caesar was the first to proclaim January 1st as a national holiday.

Nowhere is as festive as in Western countries when it comes to celebrating a new year. To celebrate New Year’s Eve, they all get together. It’s a common belief that the start of a new year brings with it happiness and fresh dreams. It’s also an ideal opportunity to take stock of the lessons and experiences of the past and look forward with optimism.

Globally, people celebrate the English Calendar’s New Year, despite the fact that other cultures follow different calendars. Every culture celebrates the new year in a unique way. In India, for instance, many Hindus celebrate the New Year around the end of March or the start of April, whereas the Chinese celebrate it around February. While the dates may fluctuate throughout countries, the spirit of New Year’s stays the same.

People celebrate this day, regardless of where they live, what religion they practise, or what region they come from. They see it as a chance to make the most of their life and make improvements to it.

Additionally, the New Year is a great opportunity to make resolutions. Getting organised, giving up a habit, planning to start new tasks, aiming for a high score, adopting a healthy lifestyle, or anything else. On this day, many people resolve to begin a new chapter in their lives.

Every year on December 31st and January 1st, people celebrate New Year’s Eve, which marks the start of a new calendar year.

Julius Caesar proposed the Julian Calendar. It is believed that it was a reform of the Roman Calendar.

On this day, people take a moment to pause, look back, and make a fresh start for the future as they consider the lessons and experiences they have had this year.

For more information on such interesting topics for your school, visit our essay writing page and follow Leverage Edu .

Nidhi Mishra

Nidhi Mishra is a seasoned senior content writer with more than eight years of diverse experience in the field of education. Her varied career encompasses work in teaching, training, counselling, developing curriculum, and content creation. Nidhi has a solid background in education and has developed her abilities to meet the diverse needs of students, especially students who want to study abroad. Throughout her career, Nidhi has been an invaluable resource to students with their test-taking efforts, offering thorough career assistance and insightful advice on how to navigate the complexity of the system of education. Her speciality is creating interesting and educational content that is specifically designed to fulfil the needs of students who want to pursue higher education abroad. Together with her wonderful writing skills, Nidhi's love of education has allowed her to produce content that has a lasting impression on readers, educators, and students alike. She is committed to providing high-quality, timely, and insightful content because she believes that education can empower people.

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The new year means new beginnings — and new resolutions. Whether your students hope to become stronger readers or aim to be more compassionate toward one another, the new year is the perfect time to help them reflect upon what they need to do to achieve their goals.

These 31 new year writing prompts will inspire your students to reflect on the past year, set realistic goals and resolutions, and look ahead to a bright future to make 2024 even more successful!

1. What are your resolutions for this new year?

2. Why is it important to make new year’s resolutions?

3. What was the best thing that happened to you this past year?

4. What are you most looking forward to this new year?

5. This year will be a year of…

6. In what ways were your kind to your friends, family, and teachers this past year?

7. What can you do this new year to be a good friend?

8. What can you do this new year to show gratitude for your friends, family, and teachers?

9. This new year, I’m grateful for…

10. This new year, I can’t wait to…

11. What new adventures would you like to go on this year?

12. Can you describe your most memorable new year?

13. Why is the new year important to you?

14. Have you made a new year’s resolution before? What was it?

15. Does your family have any new year’s traditions? What are they?

16. What can you do to make this new year even more special than last?

17. Before this year ends, I will…

18. The best book I read last year was ________ because…

19. The book I’m most looking forward to reading this year is ________ because…

20. This new year, I can’t wait to learn about…

21. This new year, I hope I’m able to…

22. What will you need to do to achieve your goals and keep your resolutions in the new year?

23. What can we do as a class this new year to be more kind to one another?

24. How can your classmates and teachers help you achieve your goals and resolutions?

25. How can you help your classmates and teachers achieve their goals and resolutions?

26. In what ways can you practice empathy this year?

27. Describe a time when you helped a classmate or teacher. How did you feel afterward?

28. What was the most fun part of the year in class for you?

29. What are you most excited to do in class next year?

30. What can you do next year to be helpful at home and at school?

31. What was the most interesting thing you’ve learned this year?

Combining daily writing exercises with extended class or small-group discussion will help your students set realistic, yet meaningful, goals to make the new year even more successful than the last. By encouraging your students to really reflect on the new year and what it means to make and keep resolutions, they’ll be prepared to overcome any challenge they may encounter along the way — and help their friends and classmates do the same!

Shop workbooks that encourage writing skills below. You can find all books and activities — including writing workbooks and other writing resources — at The Teacher Store .

Want more great content? Click here to subscribe to our Teacher Newsletter and get teaching ideas delivered right to your inbox.

Closing the Year and Preparing for the New One

A personal perspective: 14 questions to help you get clear on where you want to go next..

Posted December 15, 2023 | Reviewed by Devon Frye

What Is Motivation?
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The new year is a great time to reflect on where you are, where you’ve been, and where you’d like to get next.
Reflecting on the past year can help you get clear about what you want in your new year.
Set goals or intentions that work best for you.

I love the sense of beginning a new calendar year gives. Even though it is simply one night turning the calendar from one year to the other, it is an opportunity to make positive changes. It’s a great time to reflect on where you are, where you’ve been, and where you’d like to get next. Reflection is the perfect way to close the old year and open the door to the new one.

Some like to accompany this period of reflection by deep cleaning the house, decluttering the shelves, and purging the wardrobe. It’s a metaphorical way of getting the unwanted old out and making space for your new desires.

But before you rush into thinking about the new year, start by reflecting on the one that is about to close. Why? Because that’s going to help you get clear on what you want in your new year.

Closing the Old Year

Finish these sentences to start reflecting on the year that has just passed.

This was a year of… If you were to summarise your year in a sentence or two, what would you say? This can give you a overarching theme for the year which makes it easier for you to digest it. If you want to go deeper, you can list some of your most memorable moments from each month. This will remind you of everything that happened and how you felt about them.
The things I’m most proud of in the year are… It’s so important to take the time to celebrate. Remind yourself of everything you’ve achieved—and be proud of every single one of them.
The greatest lessons I learned this year were… As humans, we are forever evolving and growing. That’s a part of life. Reflect on how you grew this year. Were there some specific lessons you learned? Or perhaps old lessons you were reminded of?
The things that were hard in the year were… Reflecting on your challenging times can help you to make sense of them. It will remind you how strong and resilient you are, making you more confident for the new year ahead.
After this year, I’m letting go of… Sometimes, there comes a time when you have to let go—of toxic things, bad habits, or people who no longer support you. You could even commit to making a conscious effort to let go of self-doubt, fear of failure, or anything that you feel is holding you back. Naturally, it will be a process to let go of these things, but putting down on paper your commitment to do exactly that will make it more likely for you to keep at it and succeed with it.
The people (or animals) from this year I want to thank are… You could even write a thank you letter or message to each one of these individuals. They would love it.
From this year, I’m taking these things to the next year… What worked this year that you want to take to the new year? What did you enjoy that you want to do more of? What good feelings did you have that you want to feel in the new year too?

Opening the New Year

Now that you’ve taken the time to reflect on what has happened in the last year and how it has affected you, you’re in a better position to think about what you want next.

Next year, I want to feel… Be as literal or metaphorical as you want.
The most beautiful life I can imagine next year looks like… Again, your imagination can go anywhere you want it to. The saying goes, “Aim for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land amongst the stars.”
What I want to tell myself to prepare for the new year… Do you need to remind yourself of how capable you are? How brave you are? Of times when you’ve succeeded? Give yourself a good pep talk to prepare yourself for the new year and to remind yourself of what matters most to you.
My goals for next year include… This is an opportunity to get specific. You can go as far as setting SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound). Personally, I like to leave them a little vague to leave space for spontaneity—but you need to do what works best for you. For example, are you more motivated and likely to stick to your goal by saying, “I want to work out three days a week every week,” or would you rather leave it open to interpretation, such as with, “I want to lean into yoga and do more of it this year”? Find what works for you. Remember not to set too many goals or you will end up overwhelmed. Pick a maximum of five life areas that are most important to you (e.g. family, mind, body, work, leisure)—and stick to one to two goals in each of them.
My word for the next year is… Picking a word for the year is a great way to set an overarching theme for the year. This should not contradict your goals but fit in with them. If you struggle with this, start by choosing your word and then do your goals after. They all need to work well together.
My intention for next year is… Whilst your goals are focused on what you want to achieve in the future, intentions are about how you want to feel in the present moment. Think about how you want to live each day, how you want to feel, and how you want to walk through life. For example, one year my word was “ slow ”—and in line with that, my intention was to do things more mindfully, to stop rushing, and to take my time with enjoying things.
My affirmation for next year is… What is the one (or few) affirmation(s) you can come back to in the new year to remind yourself of who you are, what you’re aiming for, or how you want to feel?

Susanna Newsonen , MAPP, is a philosopher and writer. Her mission is to spread hope and love, one reader at a time.

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Essays About New Year: 5 Examples and Prompts

The new year marks a new beginning for everyone. If you are writing essays about new year , you can start by reading some essay examples .

On new year ’s day, everything resets. The calendar returns to January, the year’s first month, and the year starts anew. In the same way, most people see the start of a new year as the start of something better for themselves.

They want to improve themselves in specific ways by picking up good traits, being kinder, and trying to get out of bad habits and mannerisms; they set new year ’s resolutions to attempt to break these habits . New year ’s eve and new year ’s day are undoubtedly some of the most important days of the year.

If you are writing an essay about new year , start by reading these examples .

Are you looking for more? Check out our guide packed full of transition words for essays

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1. The New Year: A Time for Reflection and a Time to Move Forward by Susanne Carlson

2. my new year’s resolution by francisco sáez, 3. my lonely new year’s eve party will consist of sadness, hope, and life-changing gratitude by dawn bevier, 4. the psychology of new years eve reflection by ben farrell, 5. why is new year’s eve so depressing by leila ettachfini, 1. what is the importance of new year’s resolutions, 2. different new year celebrations, 3. is new year a new beginning, 4. why some people find new year’s celebrations depressing, 5. are new year’s resolutions a waste of time.

“With reflection and attention to positive change, taking note of what we have learned on our journey up until now, can give us the opportunity to apply it to the future, to take with us what is helpful and to leave behind what is not.”

Carlson writes about the importance of reflection and learning from one’s mistakes for the new year ahead. She sees the new year as a time for new beginnings; she wants it to be the start of positive change for others, just as it has been for her. Reflection is essential, as it allows us to see what we can improve on and do better in the coming year.

“According to Goleman, the link between attention and excellence is behind almost all our achievements. Attention is needed not only to understand, learn or remember, but also to read the emotions of others, generate empathy and build good relationships. It is an asset that, despite being little known and despised, has great relevance in how we face life.”

Sáez briefly explains his new year ’s resolution: to be more attentive. He wants to improve his attention and focus on forming better relationships with others, healthily using technology, and better his mental health. By reading the book Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence , he hopes to hone his attention for the new year and do better in the future. You might also be interested in these essays about celebration .

“And yes, I know this pandemic is not done with its destruction, but I also know we’re fighting back like hell and making progress . And that long-awaited day of celebration is now coming sooner rather than later. And when that day comes, I can’t help but believe that the world will be a better place. I know I will be a better person and millions of you will be as well.”

In this solemn piece, Bevier laments new year ’s celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed millions. She is sad for those she has lost and the loss of the pre-pandemic life she loved. However, she hopes the next new year will not be like the last, and she has learned to be grateful for the more minor things in life. The pandemic has taught her a lot, but most importantly, to be optimistic for the future and to look ahead to the new year with hope, kindness, and gratitude.

“In reality, new years eve is no different to any other night of the year yet; we can’t help but assign some special meaning to the 31st of December. The psychological significance of the night can be a good thing, but it can also create tremendous anxiety for us.”

Farrell explains the psychological pressure of New Year ’s Eve. This one night is no different from any other, but since it is the last one of the year, people feel the need to reflect not only on the day but the entire year. The imagery of big parties and “new beginnings” further add to the pressure, as people feel the need to have the “picture-perfect” new year . He says that while it can be helpful to use the beginning of the year as the start of positive change, it is more important to learn from one’s mistakes, no matter what time of the year.

“‘Anytime you let social convention dictate what you do rather than doing what feels best for you, you run the risk of anxiety, depression, and so on,’ says Dr. Kubiak. New Year ’s Eve leaves this group with a tough choice: go out even though you really don’t want to or deal with the uncomfortable task of telling your friends that you’re going to sit this one out.”

Ettachfini explains new year ’s eve from the perspective of those who get anxious or depressed during this time. Failure during the year, social anxiety, and the feeling of having to say goodbye to the year are all contributing factors. She cites information from Dr. Larry Kubiak, who says that depression and anxiety are normal, but it is essential to talk about them with a loved one to prevent their consuming of your life.

Top 5 Prompts on Essays about New Year

Essays about New Year: What is the importance of new year’s resolutions?

What is the importance of setting a new year ’s resolution? In this essay , explore why people create new year resolutions and what a resolution aims to achieve. You can include your reasoning, interview others, or use online sources. Perhaps you can argue whether new years resolutions are helpful or not in achieving goals. Think about the resolutions you have set, and whether or not it has helped you achieve a goal.

Different cultures and religions celebrate the new year differently, sometimes even having different dates. Write about how the new year is celebrated in different parts of the world, including dates, activities, and any local traditions. Use research to support your findings, this can be found in history books, interviews, statistical data or news articles online.

Many think of the new year as a “rebirth” of some sort; however, it can be argued that the new year would be better used as an instrument of continuity, particularly that of the good things that happened in the previous year. You might also be interested in these essays about Christmas .

Some see new year as something to be sad about. In your essay , you can discuss the darker side of new year and write about anxiety and depression during this time, similar to Ettachfini’s essay . In your essay , include the reasons for, behaviors displayed, and possible remedies to sadness during the new year ’s holidays.

Some say that it is unrealistic to make new year ’s resolutions. Discuss if you believe new year ’s resolutions are a waste of time or not. Create a compelling argumentative essay by stating your position and providing research, statistics, or interview data to back up your arguments.

For help with this topic, read our guide explaining what is persuasive writing ?

Essay on New Year Celebration

Students are often asked to write an essay on New Year Celebration in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on New Year Celebration

The excitement of new year.

New Year is a time filled with joy and celebration. It marks the beginning of a fresh year and is celebrated worldwide. It’s a time when people bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with open arms.

Traditions and Customs

Different cultures have unique ways to celebrate New Year. Some light fireworks, others have grand feasts. Many people also make resolutions to improve their lives in the coming year.

The Joy of Celebration

New Year celebrations bring families and friends together. It’s a time of happiness, hope, and new beginnings. Everyone eagerly waits for the clock to strike midnight to cheer, “Happy New Year!”

250 Words Essay on New Year Celebration

Introduction to new year celebrations.

The New Year celebration is a universal event, marked by anticipation, reflection, and joy. It is a time when people bid farewell to the past and welcome the future with renewed hope and enthusiasm. The celebration is not only a cultural tradition but also a psychological milestone that allows individuals to assess their lives and set new goals.

Historical Background

Celebrations around the world.

Today, New Year celebrations take various forms worldwide. In many Western cultures, it’s often marked with fireworks, parties, and the singing of ‘Auld Lang Syne.’ In contrast, Chinese New Year is characterized by the Lantern Festival, dragon dances, and the giving of red envelopes. Meanwhile, in Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah is a solemn time of reflection and atonement.

Significance and Impact

The New Year celebration holds profound significance. It is a symbol of rebirth and renewal, providing an opportunity for individuals to reflect, recalibrate, and set new goals. The celebration also has a considerable socio-economic impact, driving consumerism during the holiday season and boosting various sectors, including tourism, retail, and entertainment.

In conclusion, the New Year celebration is a universal tradition that transcends cultural boundaries. It is a time of reflection, renewal, and hope, embodying the human spirit’s resilience and aspiration for a better future.

500 Words Essay on New Year Celebration

Introduction.

New Year’s Eve, the last day of the year, is universally celebrated with great enthusiasm and anticipation. It’s a day of reflection, resolution, and promise, marking the transition from the past year’s experiences to the untapped potential of the future. The celebration is a blend of cultural traditions, personal beliefs, and modern practices, making it a unique and vibrant occasion.

The History and Significance

The concept of the New Year dates back to ancient civilizations, such as the Babylonians and the Romans, who marked the beginning of the year based on lunar or solar cycles. Over time, with the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, January 1st became universally recognized as the start of the New Year. The celebration is not merely a chronological change but carries deep symbolic significance. It represents renewal, rebirth, and the chance to start anew, which is often manifested in the form of New Year resolutions.

Global Celebrations

Modern practices and traditions.

In the contemporary world, New Year’s Eve is often marked by social gatherings and parties. People come together to bid farewell to the past year and welcome the new one with music, dance, and merriment. The countdown to midnight is a universally shared moment, often accompanied by the popping of champagne bottles and a chorus of ‘Auld Lang Syne’. Many also engage in the practice of making New Year’s resolutions, setting personal goals for self-improvement in the coming year.

Reflection and Resolution

The New Year is also a time for introspection. It provides an opportunity to reflect on the past year’s experiences, learnings, successes, and failures. This reflection often leads to resolutions – commitments to personal growth, whether it’s picking up a new skill, improving health, or fostering better relationships. The New Year thus becomes a catalyst for change, inspiring individuals to strive for betterment.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

How to Write a New Year Reflection

These days, each New Year has become even more significant as we continue to dig our way out of the pandemic. Since the end of 2020, we all secretly hoped that the ball dropping would symbolize the end of our isolating restrictions & the start of something new. Only to be disappointed when it didn’t quite work out that way. And yet again…the pandemic provides the perfect metaphor for the uncertainty of life. Anyway, my New Year’s resolution is to stop giving COVID-19 the attention that it doesn’t deserve.

Moving on. Let’s talk self-reflection as we wrap up 2022 feeling burnt out and sad. It’s time to remember those little (or momentous) moments throughout the year that brought us a sense of joy or accomplishment. On the other hand, maybe you’re feeling like you crushed it this year. Great! Then you can take the time to recognize all of the things that helped you crush it and continue those habits into 2023.

This is the ultimate guide on how to write an end-of-year/new-year reflection. It includes questions to ask yourself and how to use this tool for positive change in 2023. For me, this task provided clarity on my current mindset. By chronologically laying out the events of this year I arrived at an understanding of how my big and bright future plans came to be. It left me determined to make things happen in 2023.

Step 1: Get Cozy

This is not a willy-nilly task that can be done in the middle of your workday…no matter how bored you are. I suggest setting aside some uninterrupted time and getting yourself in the so-called “zone”. Yes, that means to turn your phone on do-not-disturb and lock it away to resist the Tik-Tok rabbit hole. By the way, read Should I Delete Social Media? you’re trying to kick some old social media habits. Anyway, whether cozy means on your couch with your favorite blanket & candle, in the wee hours of the morning with a cup of coffee, or at night while you sip a glass of wine, find your zen and get to writing. Of course, you have an entire year to review, so writing in chunks of time is totally acceptable. Full disclaimer, I’m still working on mine.

Step 2: Select your Medium

A new year reflection should be personal and private. You should feel free to write whatever you please without judgment. So, choose a medium that feels safe to you. Whether that’s your tattered old journal, loose college-ruled paper shoved in a drawer somewhere, or (my preferred method) a word doc on my 10-year-old computer that is sure to die and erase all memory of this reflection soon. Don’t have the time or energy to write? You can record several voice memos as your reflection or even talk into a camera. Finally, maybe you reflect with someone that you trust and can be truthful with. You might even make it a game and pull questions out of a hat.

Step 3: Outlines & Question Prompts

It’s nice to have a rough outline of your writing, especially for something as comprehensive as a new year reflection. If you ask yourself a series of questions to outline your thoughts, it makes the task less daunting. To find the perfect template, I referenced an outline from my own therapist and did some research (which got a bit more scientific than anticipated). The University of Edinburgh’s reflective toolkit was extremely thorough in providing several models for reflection, question prompts, and examples of reflections. In the end, I think all of the different models follow a similar arc. It starts with a description of an event, then how it made you feel, an analysis of what went well vs. what did not, and finally, relating this experience to your values and future.

Describe the event in detail
How did I handle the event?
How did it make me feel?
What went well or what would I do again?
What went poorly and what would I NOT do again?
How does the outcome of the event, how I handled it, and how it made me feel align with the values I have for my life/future?

From here, you can decide whether you want to write on a month-to-month basis, by larger events chronologically, or just about the year as a whole. Or maybe you just reflect on that one major life-changing event that shaped your entire year…

But hey man, if using a model or outline feels confining to your ~reflective flow~ then opt for a free-form reflection. Do what works best for you. Honestly, I fall somewhere in between. I find it nice to review the questions when getting started or leave them at the top of the page and then work them into a giant paragraph that answers them in no particular order. I’ve always been a cross between type A and B…is C an option?

Step 4: Intentions

Next, take everything you learned from your experiences in 2022 and set intentions for the upcoming year. Intentions are different from resolutions. Intentions are guided by your values and, in general, how to want to behave in the upcoming year. Resolutions focus on a specific goal that is either achieved or not. An intention for the new year might be “Because I value my health, I intend to move my body more”. Whereas a resolution is “I want to lose 10 lbs by December 2023”. It’s really all semantics and “woo-woo”. But to me, intentions feel more achievable. Finally, it might help to make a list of your values, take stock of what seems to be out of alignment based on your experiences this year, and then move on to writing your intentions. Here’s a more in-depth guide to determining your values and examples of intentions.

Step 5: Affirmations

Affirmations help to wrap up your new year reflection in a nice little bow. Affirmations are the part of this that makes you feel better about yourself. At the end of the day, affirmations are the reason that therapists recommend this shit. When you’re writing affirmations, you’re taking the time to appreciate just how far you’ve come since January 2022. Affirmations are short and sweet. If you’re a rookie, it helps to start with the phrase “I am…” and fill in the blank. For example: “I am passionate”, “I am confident”, or “I am allowed to take up space”. Also, while affirming your badassery, it’s helpful to name things you’re grateful for that led you to this fully affirmed and confident state of being.

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30 Journal Prompts for End of the Year Reflection

By Catherine Beard
December 23, 2020

30 end of year journal prompts to close out this chapter and move into the new year with a fresh mindset

At the end of every year, I like to reflect on everything that’s happened over the past twelve months. Though 2020 was memorable for unfortunate reasons, I’ve already forgotten some of the smaller things that happened over the course of the year.

Remember when Tiger King and whipped coffee were all we talked about for a while? That feels like a lifetime ago. Sometimes changes in our lives are so subtle that we barely notice they’re happening. You might not have recognized the wins you had or the ways you’ve grown because there were other things fighting for your attention.

If you’re like me, the goals you set in January may no longer feel relevant. You might have put them on the back-burner because other things took priority. And that’s okay. Give yourself some credit for dealing with something that none of us have ever experienced before.

Sidenote on my goals: I did pay off half of my credit card debt and built up my emergency fund.

Whether you achieved your goals or not, it’s helpful to take a moment to process your experience of the past year. That way, you can let go of anything that’s weighing you down.

To help you reflect on the year, I’ve put together a list of 30 end of year journal prompts to close out this chapter and move into the new year with a fresh mindset.

I recommend setting aside 30 minutes or so to let yourself journal and be in the moment. Create a comfy environment by making a cup of your favorite beverage, putting on a calming playlist, and lighting a candle. Savor this mindful ritual with yourself!

30 End of Year Journal Prompts for Self-Reflection

Click here to download the printable version

Challenges & Wins

What were your biggest challenges from the year? What did you learn from them?
What were your biggest wins from the year? What did you accomplish? What are you proud of yourself for?
What helped you to get through this year? (e.g. routines, boundaries, relationships, resources)
What were your favorite books, movies, shows, and songs from the past year?
How would you describe the version of yourself from the past year? How have you changed since last year? In what ways have you grown this year?
What kind of person do you want to become next year? How do you want to grow? How can you treat yourself with love, respect, and patience?
How well did you take care of yourself this year? Did you prioritize exercise, sleep, and nutrition?
How will you commit to taking even better care of yourself next year?
What kind of boundaries did you set for yourself and others this year? How did you uphold those boundaries? Where did you let them slide?
What do you want your boundaries to look like for next year? How will you prioritize them?
What did your typical daily routine look like this year? How did you start and end your days?
What do you want your routine to look like for next year? What would be your ideal morning and evening routines?
What were your top three priorities this past year? (e.g. work, family, finances, self-care, mental health, etc)
What are your top three priorities for next year? Why are they important to you?
How satisfied were you with your work this year? What did you enjoy and not enjoy?
What changes could you make next year will help you feel fulfilled with your work?

Environment

What role did your environment play in your life this year? (Think of your living space, community, workspace, nature, etc)
Do you want to make any changes to your environment next year? What would your ideal environment look and feel like?
What emotions did you experience this past year? Did you allow yourself to feel or talk about them freely?
What feelings do you want to embrace for next year? What intentions do you want to set?
What was your mindset like this year? Did you overthink or overanalyze anything in particular?
How can you improve your mindset in the next year? How will you commit to keeping a healthy mindset?

Connections

Who did you connect with this year? Who made you feel the most supported?
Who do you want to connect with next year? What kind of people do you want to surround yourself with?

Fun & Hobbies

How did you relax and unwind this year? What were your favorite memories? Did you start any new hobbies or nurture old ones?
What do you want to explore more of next year? What does fun look like to you?

Gratitude

Who are you most grateful for? What are you most grateful for? Write down why you are grateful for these people and things.
How can you express your gratitude more next year?

Goals & Growth

What goals did you set for yourself at the beginning of the year? Did you achieve them? (Note: Remember to give yourself grace if you didn’t achieve your goals)
What are your goals for next year? What do you want to learn or get better at? Think of work, health, finances, relationships, and home. What tools or resources will help you stay on track with your goals?

See you next year!

I hope these end of year journal prompts help you reflect on the past year and move into the new year with ease and intention. Feel free to leave a comment with some of your reflections from this list!

In the mood for some goal setting? Check out this post about how to create a vision plan for the future .

8 Responses

Replace ‘year’ with ‘day’ and you’re on.

Ooh that’s a good idea!

Catherine! You have inspired, encouraged, and enlightened me during a really tough year! You are such a blessing with an amazing gift to share & educate others.

Bless you 💕 and best wishes for the new year.

Oh wow thank you so much, Anne-Marie! I’m so glad I could help in some way. Happy New Year!

catherine thank you for this makes me happy love john

I’m glad to hear that, John!

Thank you so much for such a great question for journal ♥️. Thank you Catherine 🧿♥️

Thank you for sharing this Catherine. I used to write a lot in my diary growing up but over the last few years have not made it a priority. Subsequently I stopped purchasing dated diaries because it really felt like a commitment & bought plain journals. Decided to put some time aside today & google journal prompts as I have no idea what to write about & I’m so glad your page came up. Getting thoughts out on a page has always helped me & these questions are great for me to reflect on.

New year reflection questions (37 thoughtful questions to ask yourself)

It’s the beginning of a whole new year. It is a time to reset and set new goals to improve your life. But before you rush off into resolution mode, let’s take time to answer these new year reflection questions to guide us toward a happier 2023 and a bright future.

Let’s look back at the past year and reflect on it first. You see, we can gain a lot of insight by reviewing the events and our actions, what we did well and where we failed or could have done better over the last 12 months.

And this insight is bound to serve us in the next 12 months and beyond.

It is simply good practice to ask end-of-year questions so your vision for the future is clear and will help you come up with the right goals for your life.

New year reflection questions or end-of-year questions help you to…

have the right perspective
consider lessons learned
have a clear vision for the future
show you how you have grown
show you areas growth is needed
increase your gratitude

So, you can see how powerful reflecting on your last year can be. And that said, let’s look at the best questions to ask at the end of the year or the beginning of the new year.

New year reflection questions

1 What stands out in your mind when you think about the last year?

2. What would you say is the best thing that happened to you last year

3. What are the top three important goals you accomplished in the last year?

4. Looking back at the last 12 months how have you grown?

5. What was the most challenging thing that you encountered in the last year? How did you cope?

6. In what way did you leave your comfort zone in the last year?

7. How often did you practice gratitude? And how has that improved your life?

8. What dreams did you have in the last year? Did you achieve them?

9. Did you develop routines for your life and how did they serve you?

10. Are there some events or things that surprised you in the last year?

11. What did not go well or go as planned?

12. What do you regret?

13. Which relationships were most supportive and fulfilling in the last year?

14. Did you have any disappointments?

16. What are the biggest mistakes you made in the last year? How would you handle them if you had another chance?

17. How did you practice self-care?

18. How well did you manage time in the last year?

19. In what areas of your life would you say you failed and how can you improve in this new year?

20. What skills did you learn and how are they serving you?

21. How would you like to grow in the new year?

22. Is there a decision you made that you are proud of?

23. What realizations did you come to?

24. Are there relationships you let go of and what led to that decision? Are you still firm on that decision?

25. What was the most fun event for you in the last year?

26. What did you learn about yourself? Was any of it surprising?

27. What good books did you read in the last year?

28. Did you make a difference in anyone’s life in the last year?

29. What lessons did you learn last year that you will take with you into 2023?

30. What have you learned about yourself in the last year?

31. What did you spend too much time on that you really shouldn’t have?

32. How well did you manage your time? How do you plan to manage your time in the new year?

33. What have been the biggest stressors for you and how do plan to manage these areas of your life?

34. Are there things you procrastinated on and how can you stop procrastinating this year?

35. In what ways do hope to change in the new year?

36. What will you say no to this year?

37. What do you want more of this year?

Final words about new year reflection questions to ask yourself.

These new year reflection questions are great starting points for the new year because when you review your life in this way you are bound to see how well you did last year, and what areas you need to improve.

You dont need to wait until the end of the year to ask some of these questions.

You can reflect on your life at any time, but the end of the year and the beginning of a new year offer great opportunities for a life review.

So use these end-of-year reflection questions so you can make a positive change in your life this new year.

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50 New Year Reflection Questions to Ask Yourself

Created On: January 22 | Updated: January 22 | Leave a comment

free printable new year reflection questions

Are you tired of creating a list of New Year’s resolutions that disappears under your other to-do lists a week into January? Instead, draw from this list of New Year’s Reflection questions to help you figure out what did and didn’t work for you in the previous year so you can move forward with intention and purpose!

New Year’s Resolutions are OUT… and New Year’s reflections are IN!

Resolutions are defined as “firm decisions to do or not do something”. But here’s my beef with that… it leaves no room for flexibility. It seems like every January 1st, I resolve to not eat desserts except on Friday nights. And then by mid-January I’m digging in the freezer on a Tuesday to find the pint of ice cream that I’m supposed to be saving for my coveted end of the week dessert night.

And after hunching over the kitchen island and devouring 1/4 of the pint, I’ve broken my New Year’s Resolution and it’s all downhill from there.

That’s the problem with resolutions – once you break them, you’re giving yourself an excuse to continue to break them over and over again… at least that’s how it is for me every January when I swear off sweets.

But asking yourself New Year’s reflection questions doesn’t involve half-hearted promises to yourself that you know you’re going to break. Instead, using yearly reflection questions helps you to focus on the positive things from the previous year, the lessons you learned, and the things that you can improve on for the upcoming year.

So if you want to try out some new year reflection questions, here’s a huge list to get you started:

How to Use the New Year Reflection Questions

Here are some ideas for how to put this list of new year reflection questions to good use:

Use the questions as journal prompts. Pick a few questions from the list and journal about them, or start January 1st and write about one question everyday for the month of January to reflect on your experience from the previous year.
Make a “Reflection Jar”. Add the printable reflection questions at the end of this post to a jar, and draw a few out each night during the month of January. You can even turn this into a family reflection activity at dinner time.
Use the questions for yearly special occasions. Instead of only limiting the questions to the New Year, try using them during special occasions like your birthday or anniversary. Take time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the year ahead, using the questions to guide your introspection and planning.
Work the New Year reflection questions into your goal setting session. Integrate reflection questions into your goal-setting process. Before setting new goals , reflect on your experiences and lessons learned from the past, ensuring that your future goals align with your values and aspirations.

50 New Year’s Reflection Questions

Was the past year mostly positive, negative, or “blah.” Why do you say that?
What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
What was the most challenging event that occurred over the past year?
What three words describe this past year? Why those words?
What unexpected obstacle popped up this past year, and how did you deal with it?
How have you grown as a person in the past year? What experiences led you to this type of growth?
What were you most grateful for this past year?
What items did you check off your personal bucket list this past year? Which ones can you accomplish over the next year?
What made you feel purposeful this past year?
What new skills and superpowers did you discover you had this past year? How did those help you, and how can you use them in the future?
What was an unanticipated joy that you experienced this past year?
What were some of the best books you read over the past year?
What was the most challenging part of your job (both at work and at home)?
How did you grow spiritually over the past year?
How did you grow emotionally last year?
What made last year different for you than any other year? What experiences made it unique, and how did they impact you?
What situations do you wish you would have handled differently this last year?
What goals did you achieve this past year?
What does success look like for you in the coming year, and how might you need to redefine your definition of success?
What is something new you learned about yourself this past year? How has it changed you?
Overall, were you intentional with your time last year? How can you use your time wisely in the upcoming year?
How would you like your life to change this year based on what you learned and experienced from the past year?
What thoughts, people, or things did you give too much time and energy to last year that didn’t serve you? What are some things in your life that deserve more of your positive energy and time?
Do you feel like you achieved a balanced life over the past year? What parts of your life were lacking, and which ones were abundant? How can you achieve a more balanced life this next year?
What creative projects were you most excited about this past year? What projects are you planning for the upcoming year?
What was your most courageous action last year?
What was a moment of grief from the past year, and how did you move on from it?
What is one thing you need to achieve next year to feel more intentional and productive with your time management?
What is one word you would use to describe your mental health last year? What are some ways to take care of yourself in the coming year?
What is one word that best describes your intention for the upcoming year? Why did you choose that word?
Who were your most valuable relationships with over the past year?
What was your biggest personal change over the past 12 months?
What are some things you want to let go of in the new year in order to become a better version of yourself (think negative self-talk, toxic relationships, bitterness, etc.)?
How do you want to show up for yourself better this next year? What will that look like?
If you could accomplish one single goal in the upcoming year, what would it be? Why did you choose that one?
What are some new ways you can follow your curiosity in the coming year?
If failure wasn’t an option, what would you want your life to look like by this time next year?
Besides time and money, what is something you want more of this next year? What are some steps you can take to get it?
How can you be physically healthier this next year?
What’s a promise you will keep to yourself this coming year?
How do you want to spend your free time this next year?
When did you feel most fulfilled at your job over the past year? If you didn’t, what can you change going into this year?
What was your biggest time waster of the past year?
What was the best way you used your time over the last year?
What is a phrase or statement that describes this last year for you?
What relationship did you most value this past year? How did it help you grow?
What was the single most important lesson of the past year, and what did it teach you?
How did you practice selflessness over the past year?
Were there any moments when you experienced a sense of awe or inspiration?
If you could pick a word to describe your relationships with your friends last year, what would it be? Why?

Alternative to New Year’s Questions

If you’re looking for other ways to reflect at the beginning of a new year and 50 questions just seems too overwhelming, then you may benefit from a one-page reflection worksheet instead! I’ve got an awesome FREE printable end of year reflection worksheet that you can use! Just click the link down below to read all about doing a yearly reflection and grab the printable worksheet!

free printable end of year reflection worksheet

Click HERE for the FREE Printable New Year’s Reflection Worksheet!

Free Printable New Year’s Reflection Questions

Want the list of New Year reflection questions in printable format? You can cut these cards of questions out and add them to a jar to use around the dinner table or as journal prompts for yourself!

Click HERE to get your FREE Printable New Year’s Reflection Questions!

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Short Essay: New Year Resolution

New Year’s resolutions are commitments that individuals make to themselves to improve or change their habits, lifestyles, or relationships at the start of a new year. Writing a short essay on this topic offers a chance to explore the psychological aspects, effectiveness, and cultural significance of these resolutions. Here’s how to structure and craft a compelling short essay on New Year’s resolutions.

Table of Contents

Title and Introduction

Title : Choose a title that is both catchy and informative, such as “New Beginnings: The Power and Pitfalls of New Year’s Resolutions.”

Body of the Essay

Cultural Significance and Variations :

Summarize the key points discussed in your essay, reinforcing the idea that New Year’s resolutions, despite their challenges, play a significant role in personal and cultural practices. End with a thoughtful conclusion or a personal reflection on the value of making resolutions, or perhaps a call to action encouraging readers to approach their New Year’s resolutions with realistic and achievable goals.

New Year Resolution Essay Example #1

As the calendar turns and a new year dawns upon us, it is a time of reflection, renewal, and the opportunity for personal growth. New Year’s resolutions have long been a tradition, allowing individuals to set intentions and goals for the coming year. For me, this tradition is not just a fleeting promise but a chance to embark on a journey of self-improvement.

Another resolution I have is to expand my knowledge and broaden my horizons. Learning should be a lifelong endeavor, and I believe that continuous education is key to personal growth. Whether it’s through reading books, attending seminars, or taking up new hobbies, I aspire to constantly seek knowledge, explore diverse perspectives, and embrace new opportunities for intellectual development. By doing so, I hope to nurture my curiosity, deepen my understanding of the world, and become a more well-rounded individual.

Additionally, I resolve to foster stronger connections with loved ones and build meaningful relationships. In today’s digital age, it is easy to get caught up in a virtual world, often overlooking the importance of genuine human connection. I want to invest time and effort in nurturing my relationships, engaging in meaningful conversations, and creating lasting memories with family and friends. By being present and actively listening, I hope to strengthen the bonds that enrich my life and bring joy to those around me.

New Year Resolution Essay Example #2

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, a sense of possibility fills the air. It’s a time when we bid farewell to the old and eagerly embrace the new, armed with resolutions that promise personal growth and positive change. This year, I am determined to embark on a transformative journey through my New Year’s resolutions.

First and foremost, I resolve to cultivate a mindset of gratitude and positivity. In a world often defined by negativity and challenges, it is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings that surround us. Each day, I will strive to find something to be grateful for, whether it’s a simple pleasure or a significant achievement. By shifting my perspective to one of gratitude, I hope to nurture a positive outlook that permeates every aspect of my life.

Lastly, I resolve to make a positive impact in the world around me. Small acts of kindness can create ripples of change that extend far beyond our immediate sphere. I will strive to contribute to my community through volunteering, supporting causes I care about, and spreading kindness wherever I go. By recognizing the power of my actions, no matter how small, I can be part of a collective effort to create a more compassionate and harmonious world.

New Year Resolution Essay Example #3

First and foremost, I resolve to achieve a healthier work-life balance. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to become consumed by professional responsibilities, leaving little time for personal pursuits and relationships. I will set clear boundaries, carve out dedicated time for self-care, and strive to be fully present in my personal life. By nurturing a harmonious balance between work and leisure, I aim to enhance my overall well-being and cultivate stronger connections with loved ones.

In addition, I resolve to prioritize self-reflection and personal growth. Regular self-reflection allows us to gain insights into our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, enabling us to make intentional choices. I will dedicate time for introspection, journaling, and setting personal goals. By embracing self-reflection, I can identify areas for improvement, celebrate achievements, and chart a course for personal growth and development.

Furthermore, I aspire to embrace sustainability and contribute to a healthier planet. I will adopt eco-friendly practices such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable initiatives. By making conscious choices that minimize my ecological footprint, I can contribute to the preservation of our environment and inspire others to do the same.

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About mr. greg.

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

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New Year Essay

New Year Essay for Students in English

New Year's Eve is a joyous festival celebrated all over the world. According to the Gregorian calendar, it marks the start of a new year (which contains 12 months and January 1 is counted as the first day of a new year). People all over the world begin making plans for new year's resolutions and preparations one month in advance.

New Year's Eve is a universal celebration that transcends cultural and caste boundaries, bringing joy to people worldwide. Celebrated with enthusiasm, people of all ages engage in various activities. Many schools and educational institutions observe a winter break, starting from Christmas Eve and extending until New Year's (January 1). The significance of New Year's lies in its representation of a fresh start, ushering in happiness as people bid farewell to the past year. This festive occasion symbolises hope and optimism, uniting individuals in the shared anticipation of new beginnings and the possibilities the upcoming year holds.

The New Year is a time for people to put all of their bad experiences behind them and take a positive step into the future. Everyone wishes for their own and their loved ones' happiness, health, and prosperity in the coming New Year. For children, a new year is incomplete without three things: a Christmas tree, a New Year's Eve party with new dresses, and the required New Year's essay as part of their winter vacation homework).

How do People Around the World Celebrate?

A unique custom has been followed these days in every household – a New Year tree. In order to define this, it is nothing but the Christmas tree that gets decorated during the festive season and year-end. All the family members take part in decorating the Christmas tree/ New Year tree with various kinds of toys, bells, stars, candies, mistletoe, and colourful fairy lights.

New Year’s day is followed by different other customs and traditions in every household across the globe. Each culture celebrates this day in its own unique way. Some people start planning for a mini-vacation beforehand while some plan to spend quality time with their loved ones. The preparation begins with buying gifts, decorating houses, and purchasing new clothes.

India's New Year's Eve Celebration

Everyone in India celebrates New Year on different days depending on their religion. Nonetheless, due to the influence of Western civilization, most people now celebrate New Year's Day on January 1 st as well.

The advent of the New Year in India is marked by vibrant and diverse celebrations that resonate with cultural richness. It is a time when people extend heartfelt congratulations to their friends and family, sharing the joy of a fresh beginning. Hindus, in particular, embark on a tradition of thorough house cleaning, adorning their homes with saffron flags that symbolize auspiciousness.

The religious fervor escalates as bhajans echo in temples, creating a serene atmosphere. Special prayers are offered, fostering a spiritual ambiance across various religious sites. The New Year becomes a canvas for cultural expression, with events like Kavi Sammelan, Bhajan Sandhya, and Kalash Yatra captivating audiences in different locations. These festivities underscore the unity in diversity as India welcomes the promise of a new year with enthusiasm and reverence.

January 1 as New Year’s Day

The early Roman Calendar has 10 months and 304 days, and each new year begins on the spring equinox; according to tradition, it was created by Romulus, the founder of Rome, in the eighth century B.C. Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome, later added the months of Januarius and Februarius to the Roman Calendar in 1713 B.C.

Over the centuries, the calendar has been out of sync with the Sun. The emperor Caesar then decided to solve the mystery in 46 B.C. by consulting with the most prominent astronomers and mathematicians of the time. Caesar introduced the Julian calendar, which was very similar to the modern Gregorian calendar, which is still used by the majority of countries around the world.

Caesar established January 1 as the first day of the year, partly to honour Janus, the Roman god of beginnings (whose two faces allowed him to seem back to the past and forward into the longer term which was a part of his reforms). To commemorate the New Year, the Romans exchanged gifts and offered sacrifices to God Janus. They also went to loud parties and adorned their homes with laurel branches.

Traditions for the New Year

Many countries celebrate New Year from the evening of December 31 (also known as New Year's Eve) until the early hours of January 1 st , often with several meals and snacks to bring good fortune in the coming year. Grapes are known as a symbol of hope for the coming months and are thus used by people in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries.

Legumes, such as lentils in Italy and black-eyed peas in the southern United States, have been a traditional New Year's dish in many countries and places because they are thought to resemble coins and future financial success. Pork is also a popular New Year's dish in some countries, including Austria, Hungary, Cuba, and Portugal, and it is believed that pigs represent progress and prosperity.

Rice pudding with an almond hidden inside it is served on New Year's Eve in many countries, including Sweden and Norway. It is said that whoever finds the almond will be blessed with 12 months of good fortune. In contrast, ring-shaped cakes and pastries are served during the New Year in the Netherlands, Greece, Mexico, and other countries. It denotes that the year has completed a full circle.

The Importance of the New Year

New Year's Eve is like a big, happy party that everyone in the world joins! It's a special time when we say goodbye to the old year and welcome the brand-new one with excitement. The New Year is like a magical reset button; it encourages us to start fresh, try new things, and bring more happiness into our lives.

In the New Year, we look back at the things we did in the past year and learn from them. If we make any mistakes, it's okay because the New Year gives us a chance to do better. We make promises to ourselves, called resolutions, to be kind, work hard, or learn something new. It's like setting goals for ourselves.

The New Year is a bit like a festival, but instead of lights and decorations, it's full of positive vibes and energy. This energy helps us tackle challenges and reach our goals. So, New Year's Eve is not just a date on the calendar; it's a special time that fills us with enthusiasm and makes our lives even more exciting!

New Year’s Short Essay

On New Year's Day, everyone puts on new clothes and congratulates one another. On the occasion of the New Year, many different types of programmes are held in schools. The event of the New Year retains various fireworks, dance competitions, singing competitions, and so on. At New Year's, the market is ablaze with colour, with colourful lights, and other decorative items adorning every surface. On the occasion of the New Year, some countries have a state holiday, so people go on picnics. The New Year brings with it new hopes; we should always be happy in any situation, good or bad.

On this day, everyone reflects on the significant events of the previous year and evaluates the circumstances under which the entire year was spent. And, to make amends for the shortcomings of the previous year, take a new oath on the auspicious occasion of the New Year and get involved in doing that work for the coming year with full hard work and dedication. The Western Civilization's New Year was celebrated in Babylon 4000 years ago, but it was held on March 21 st at the time. However, since the introduction of the Julian calendar, New Year's Day has been celebrated on January 1 st every year. Every year has 365 days, at the end of which the New Year is celebrated with great zeal. Because of the influence of Western civilization throughout the world, everyone now celebrates January 1 as New Year's Day.

FAQs on New Year Essay

1. Why is New Year's Eve considered special?

New Year's Eve is special because it marks the end of the old year and the beginning of a fresh one. It's a time for reflection, celebration, and setting new goals.

2. What do people do on New Year's Eve?

People celebrate New Year's Eve by organizing parties, sending greetings to friends and family, and participating in various events. It's also a time for making resolutions for self-improvement.

3. Why is the New Year compared to a festival?

The New Year is compared to a festival because, like festivals, it brings joy and a sense of new beginnings. People often celebrate with enthusiasm, similar to how they celebrate festivals.

4. How do people prepare for the New Year?

Preparations for the New Year often include cleaning homes, decorating, and planning special activities. Many also reflect on the past year and make plans for the future.

5. Why do people make New Year's resolutions?

Making resolutions is a way for people to set goals and make positive changes in their lives. It symbolizes a fresh start and a commitment to self-improvement in the coming year.

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The New Year: A Time for Reflection and a Time to Move Forward

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By Susanne Carlson

The New Year is an opportunity to reflect on the year gone by and to approach the year ahead with purpose and intention. A lot of emphasis is placed on this being a time to make big changes in our lives and while this can prove to be a useful motivator for many, it is also important to recognize that meaningful transitions and milestones are happening all year round.

Our efforts in forging forward with life, or as the case may be, with recovery, are meaningful and valuable regardless of when they occur. Taking the pressure off of becoming new and improved versions of ourselves as soon as January 1 st rolls around allows us space to grow, learn and move forward at our own pace, in our own way, and on our own time line. For some, the distinct marking of a New Year may be an inspiration for positive change. If the energy of a New Year gives them the inner fire needed to make those changes, then I say all the power to them! However, even if we cannot maintain the full steam ahead attitude we began the year with, or if we find ourselves falling back on old habits, we can still be compassionate and kind to ourselves and give ourselves grace by doing the next right thing. This concept has helped me tremendously in my own recovery journey. By doing the next right thing, we are declaring that we hold the power inside ourselves to make changes when it makes sense for us and in the ways that make sense for us.

With the New Year comes a sense of new beginnings and of looking to the future. It’s a time and space for reflecting back on the previous year. This can be one of the most helpful parts of this time of year, as we can look back to where we were this time last year and note the differences in ourselves. For me, I remember noticing how much laughter came back into my life each year, how much more able I was to take care of my needs, how present I had become in my day to day life. This time of reflection gives us perspective as we embark on the New Year, but it can happen whenever we choose. It can be incredibly rewarding to take time each week, month, or any ordinary day to appreciate where we have been able to take ourselves and to acknowledge the struggles we are still working through. It shows us the grey amidst the black and white. It shows us that while progress may seem slow, we are indeed moving forward, and that each step forward is teaching us along the way.

With reflection and attention to positive change, taking note of what we have learned on our journey up until now, can give us the opportunity to apply it to the future, to take with us what is helpful and to leave behind what is not.

It can be helpful to have specific questions or prompts to use each day that guide us in our journey of reflecting and also in moving forward. Here are some suggestions of questions and prompts that I use myself on a regular basis to ensure that I am staying motivated and attentive to both recovery and the general living of life.

What do I need each day to feel my best? (eg. plenty of good quality sleep, good nutrition, joyful physical activity, connection to those I love, etc.)
What are barriers I anticipate each day? (eg. thoughts, difficult relationships, difficult situations) What can I do to deal with these things? (eg. journal, talk things out, make a game plan, etc.)
What is one kind thing I can do for myself today? (eg. get out for some fresh air, give myself a break from work/school work, listen to my favourite album, light some candles, etc.)
– I am always enough
– Breathe
– I trust myself
– I have hope and refuse to give up
– I choose to fully participate in my day

I hope these ideas have been helpful and I hope that everyone who reads this has a healthy and happy New Year.

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Susanne is a Therapeutic Recreation student – soon to be graduate, wife to a patient and loving husband, proud and involved Aunty of two incredible little girls and owner to a beautiful and energetic fluff ball of a cat. She loves all the roles she has in her life and feels fortunate to be very close with her friends and family. She is a passionate advocate of eating disorder awareness, prevention and effective treatment and dedicates herself to learning and developing as a person in her own recovery journey. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

For residential treatment facility information contact the Looking Glass Residence: Phone: 604.829.2585 Fax: 604.829.2586 Toll Free: 1.888.980.5874

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Providing printables, encouragement, tips and resources to help busy mums balance homeschooling, homemaking and frugal living.

New Year Reflections and Resolutions

With the new year on the way, it is a good time to reflect on the past year. It is also a great time to prepare and organise your thoughts for the new year. These gorgeous New Year Reflections and Resolutions printables are a great way to reflect on the past year and create priorities for the year ahead.

Check out the list of materials that we use with these printables.

Empower yourself and your children / students by challenging them to choose a goal for the New Year and put it in writing. This pack of reflection and resolutions printables contains nine pages of activities.

Reflection on the past year and start the new year with wonderful resolutions with these gorgeous New Year Reflections and Resolutions printables.

Reflect on the past year by completing the following:

My favourite memory
A lesson I learnt
A great idea I had
Last Year’s Top Ten
Four ‘Proud’ moments from last year

Create new year resolutions by completing the following:

Four new year resolutions
My word for the year – why you chose it and how you are going to achieve it
Goals for the new year
Things you hope to do this year
Goals – at home and at school – this one is for school aged children
Reaching for the stars – how you are going to achieve your goals
Ways you can grown and improve this coming year

After completing these printables, you could put them together in a book, creating your own cover page.
Laminate or frame the new year resolution pages and hang them up where you can see them, to help remind you what you wish to achieve throughout the year

To download your copy of these beautiful gold, black and grey printables, sign up below:

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New Year Time: the Stage of Reflection and Possibility

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2021 New Year Reflections

Things that have been difficult this year for me include –

Things that give me hope and bring me positivity for the future and new year –

25 New Year Reflection Questions to Support Your Life Journey

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How to Write a New Year Reflection

Step 1: Get Cozy

Step 2: Select your Medium

Step 3: Outlines & Question Prompts

Step 4: Intentions

Step 5: Affirmations

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See you next year!

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