Is anyone else feeling discombobulated? When we headed to church this morning, my life did not compute. It’s Sunday?? What? How? When?
We’ve had a fantastic holiday, which I will eventually get around to recapping. And also, I have to admit that the post-Christmas letdown/malaise is hitting me fairly hard this year. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated Allison’s post yesterday. Middle-aged Christmas feelings are very real!
I don’t want to be unable to let go of things. I even like some of the new ways we do stuff. It’s just difficult, and bittersweet, because all of the old stuff was really great too. “It all feels a little precarious, and very precious”, I used to write in Christmas cards. Yes, and yes.
So in the days leading up to Christmas I was happy and then I was really sad, and kind of frustrated with myself for dwelling on things that can’t be changed. It was good to read something that made reminded me that I AM middle-aged… and there is stuff that goes along with that, especially at Christmas. And that’s fine. (Full post here.)
Part of me is ready to launch into the new year, but the kids still have a week off of school. John has intense work preparations between now and the new year (currently working behind me in the office, preparing for a 5:30 am call tomorrow morning), my father-in-law goes home tomorrow. We have all sorts of errands to run. Christmas bags and bows need to be sorted and put away. I simultaneously want to curl up on the couch with a blanket and take a nap AND want to take down the Christmas tree and send the children back to school tomorrow so we CAN GET BACK TO ROUTINE.
One thing that has been helping me rise out of the post-Christmas funk is thinking ahead to 2026. And I have to give a huge shout-out to Sarah’s book. I wasn’t going to set any goals for the year ahead, and then—two chapters into Best Laid Plans—I’d written down a list of 26 goals, had divided my year into quintiles (for the first time), and was feeling decidedly motivated to get stuff done. I can’t think of any higher praise for a book about planning and goal-setting than having it immediately prompt me to plan and goal-set for the year ahead.
When I did a year-end review of my “Fun Ideas for 2025,” someone made reference to “real goals” vs. “fun goals”.
While I didn’t originally call my list goals (and didn’t necessarily think of them that way), the designation definitely made me think.
I’ve been conditioned to think of goals as things that stretch me—often in a way that’s uncomfortable—and move me toward a more idealistic future. For years I set at least some fairly ambitious stretch goals.
But the last few years, I haven’t felt drawn to being stretched. Sometimes it feels like laziness (and this is probably partly true), but I’m also trying to lean into the fact that I want to spend more time doing things I enjoy. Also… what exactly am I stretching toward?
I am (at glacial speed) dismantling my default of linking my productivity with worth. This is not only an emotional maturation on my part, but a spiritual one—understanding that I am of infinite value as-is. (When we see “as-is” on an item at the store it generally serves as a warning and means an item is lacking; in other words, pick it up at your own risk. Well, God’s done that with me, and if I didn’t produce a single other “valuable” thing for the rest of my time on Earth, that would be okay.)
That said, I want to produce things for His glory, so this isn’t an excuse to twiddle my thumbs. It can be hard to balance these motivations that seem to be in opposition to each other.
When I was writing out my list of goals for 2026, I ended up with very few that feel like they’re stretching me—and that’s okay. Mostly, they’re fun. But I’m still calling them goals and declaring that they are very real!
Also, I’m temporarily moving to another continent and will be with my children around the clock for almost four months while living in foreign parts of the world, out of a carry-on. That’s enough of a stretch for one year, right???
Without further ado, here are my current goals, plus a few mantras. A few years ago I left space to add goals throughout the way, and I’ve done that again. I also like the idea of matching the year to the number of goals, so I have it set for 26 goals + 4 mantras (reserving the right to add as many mantras as I see fit over the year).
Alliteration sounded whimsical, so I ran with it!
FAMILY (8)
Breakfast with John at our favourite cafe in Paris!
I want to find “our” cafe at each main stop in Europe. [Probably my favourite memory of our time in Paris are the mornings I spent at a cafe with John.]
Order Christmas photocards. [This is the first year since Belle was born I didn’t order photocards; nothing bad happened, but I would like to get back to this tradition next year… I think?]
Send my parents photos every month. [I used to send my family a monthly update e-mail complete with pictures; I no longer do this, but often forget to send them current pictures, especially of the kids. I do text them pictures, but they prefer to receive at least some via e-mail.]
Have a week alone together with John. [Not going to lie, this is my favourite week of the year and I want to make sure this happens again.]
Visit my parents (solo) in the fall.
Take my parents out to a coffee shop this winter.
Buy a badminton net for the side lawn!
TBD
FRIENDS (4)
Watch Rebecca with Joy. [We’ve both now read the book, and after my time with Birchie, I’m determined to watch another Hitchcock film!]
Go out for lunch with two friends (L and S) I don’t see often (separate times).
Meet up with at least one blogger in real life! [This should happen when we’re in Europe! Aiming to see Rachel and Catrina, but hopefully even more!]
TBD
FAITH (4)
Volunteer at our church’s (teen) youth group.
Develop a system to track prayer requests in planner.
Volunteer at our church’s Live Nativity.
Host two families we’ve never hosted before.
FRONTIER (AKA: BLOG/PATREON) (4)
Transition to Mediavine. [I got accepted to the full Mediavine ad program, just need to sort out paperwork before it’s official!]
Earn the equivalent of what I was earning at my final part-time university job. [Definitely a stretch goal.]
Host Cool Bloggers Walking Club (x2).
Be a guest on a podcast.
FUN (6)
Play pickleball (outside!)
Go see a movie on a hot summer day
Buy at least one vinyl record. [Thinking White Christmas (Living Strings/Living Voices) or The Sounds of Christmas (Julie Andrews) off eBay??]
Go to Charts with a book four times; buy a dessert! [I usually meet friends or do computer work when I go to my favourite coffee shop, but I want to go alone four times to READ. I also almost never buy a dessert, so I want to pair this with ordering a sweet treat.]
For the mantra, I like ” it costs what it costs.” I imagine traveling in Europe might get costly at time, but you’ll be building so many memories and experiencing fun things, so go for it! I understand it’s not a permit to be prodigal with your funds, but a way to balance cost and value- not the same thing!
Your dessert goal is great. I think buying a treat when I’m out is a great thing about being an adult!
Can my goal can be ” to have a measurable goal at some point in the year.”?
Yes, I think I can lean into “it costs what it costs” because I have underlying frugal tendencies. For so many years I was so adverse to spending ANY superfluous money, it can be hard for me to not feel guilt over “fun” expenses (or, to be honest, non-fun expenses). But especially when we travel, or even if it’s something that’s special, like a restaurant meal out, I could really dampen my enthusiasm by projecting how much it was going to cost.
I’ve used this mantra before in other contexts and it really helps me to remind myself: it will cost what it costs, but I’ve chosen this activity/experience/item for a specific reason and it’s meaningful to me so it’s worth the expenditure!
I almost NEVER buy dessert out, so it feels like a luxury. I love reframing it as an adult experience, too. Yes, I have the autonomy to do that.
Your goal can be whatever you want it to be, my friend!
I just finished listening to Tranquility by Tuesday (the book that got you to start blogging – yay!), and I was really struck by her point of making sure that goals include fun things and to stop spending time on things that do not serve us (aka hire a housecleaner instead of spending huge chunks of time that could be spent on other goals on cleaning, find ways to get your partner and family to share in the work of keeping the house running instead of having it all fall on one person). All of which is to say YES to fun goals and a hard no to making every goal a big huge serious lift. Living in another country for four months is enough for big stuff for 2026.
This time of year can often be an emotional low for me, but it’s much better this year…hmmm could it be because I’m not stressed out of my mind from work and slammed with year end deadlines?
I have a running list on my phone that is either going to be a 26 for 26 or a 100 goals list, TBD. But two of the items on it are to go on a hot air balloon ride and to take Doggo swimming.
I just watched Rebecca AND read the book, so I’m very excited for you and Joy to see it.
I used to feel the after-Christmas blues HARD. Christmas can be so fraught with emotions and high expectations. The past couple of years, Christmas has been quiet and peaceful, and I enjoyed it so much more. The highs aren’t as high, but the lows aren’t as low, and it was nice. My family stopped exchanging gifts, which helped immensely! (Of course, with kids, that’s not happening!)
I love what you wrote about not feeling drawn to being stretched by your goals – and just working towards things you enjoy. I’m right there with you on that!
I used to want to be stretched and now… not so much. Or maybe I am still stretched, but in less stressful ways? I don’t like to run on adrenaline anymore 🙂
It’s always nice to post something that resonates with other people – one of the most valuable parts of blogging is that for so much of my life I felt like such a weirdo, and blogging has shown me that either I’m less weird than I always felt or that many of my friends are weird in the same way, and honestly, I’m fine with both of those options.
I think I feel sort of the same about goals. I feel like I should set some, but setting them makes me feel like I’m not doing well enough as I am, which is always something I struggle with anyway (see previous paragraph lol), and because of the way I am even setting a goal FOR MYSELF stresses me out. Because it doesn’t feel legit unless it’s something difficult that I will struggle with (Catholicism did a real number on me, not gonna lie). Perhaps my goal should be setting some small achievable goals. I definitely want to take my parents out for lunch this winter – they get stuck in their house, especially my dad.
“Blogging has shown me that either I’m less weird than I always felt or that many of my friends are weird in the same way, and honestly, I’m fine with both of those options.” Haha! LOVE THIS!!!! Yes, it really is so cathartic to know that other people relate to things that I thought were singular to me.
Maybe you could set four goals? One per quarter? You already have one for Winter: take your parents out for lunch!
For many years I thought Christmas was kind of boring—the same people, doing the same things, year after year. Then Dad got a brain tumor, and everything went flat. Or hollow. Just wrong. It was then that I realized instead of waiting for something “special”, the regular year after year stuff WAS special, and I was too stupid to realize it. We continued the best we could, enjoying each other, and 15 years after Dad’s brain tumor and death, my brother-in-law got a brain tumor and died. And that was the end of special Christmases. Now I am working on recognizing that a quiet Christmas with just my husband is special. I don’t want to be stupid and miss this!
Elisabeth, you are impressive with your goal setting. This year I plan on reading through the Bible with Tara-Leigh Cobble and several friends. Other than that, I keep an ongoing list of things to take care of, this time organized into easy, hard, and really hard (or similar categories). The easy ones listed in the fall are mostly finished; the really hard ones are the ones that require my husband’s buy-in, or are projects at church that require coordination with and participation in by others.
When Christmas is past, I feel relieved. It brings me happiness to finish projects and get stuff done. Hmmm, someone around here seems to measure her worthiness by accomplishments. . .
Thanks so sharing these thoughts about Christmas; it changes so much over the years and as we say goodbye to people (and traditions) we’ve loved for so long.
I loved the Bible Recap; I’ll be curious what you think!
Dare I say I feel kind of relieved when Christmas is over? I enjoy the season but there is also a lot of pressure and expectations. I like this period after where the kids have opened their gifts and things are mostly put away and they have new things to play with. And this year is extra great as we have an easier week with just one kid while the other makes memories with my parents plus the extended family that are still at my parents through the 1st.
I hadn’t set goals in quite awhile but did 25 in ‘25 last year which was mostly fun goals. But I need fun in my life. This year I am doing 25 in ‘26. I decided to stick with 25 again this year. I’ll post about it next week I think as I am still finalizing my list! I love your mantras!!
I find the week between Christmas and New Year’s a bit antsy. Mostly because I would love to declutter the house, get caught up on all sorts of tasks…but the kids are home and still in vacation mode. It feels a bit like a hurry up and wait period of time?
My goal a couple of years ago was to try more flavours of ice cream. I just felt boring, choosing the same flavour all the time.
It was a huge success as a bit of happiness so I’ve repeated it as a goal every year. It’s just a small, fun thing. And if I don’t like the flavour l, well, I don’t feel bad about putting it in the bin.
Meeting the goal tends to involve going out for fancy ice cream or looking for something fun to try while travelling. I like having older kids now so we can just go out after dinner occasionally.
Yay for rest. You have such a busy life with lots of activity. It must be nice to NOT be shuttling Carla to school and events. Enjoy extra snuggles with Leo <3
Goals are there to serve us; if they don't work well for you (or at least the semantics of calling them goals, you accomplish all sorts of great things without needing to set structured goals), don't do 'em!
Kindred spirits – A and T have joked I’ve reached the antsy list making stage of the holiday, not helped by the fact we need to get the house on the market when we get home. Luckily the Lisbon airport strike has been called off. We set family resolutions this morning – we are going to watch all the studio ghibli movies, play through all the games we own, and do at least two nature walks or cycles per month and host in our new home, A is going to play more tennis, more piano and read more books, T is going to do more climbing (maybe a day camp), read 50 books, and improve his piano, and I’m going to do more yoga, find a new volunteer role, dock my phone and devices at 5pm, and start a commonplace book. All feel like positive additions – watch MORE movies – rather than punitive.
You’ll love the vinyl. You can often get themed bundles on eBay. We got a turntable for Christmas last year and it’s one of our favourite things.
Yes! I’m officially antsy. I think with all the snow days, I feel like the kids have already been off SO much in December and I’m a bit startled there is still a week of school holiday to go.
You have a lot coming your way at the start of 2026, but I love that you’ve set fun, pleasant resolutions for the year ahead!!! They really do all feel so positive, expansive (reading 50 books! playing all the games! hosting people! finding a new volunteer role!).
I love these so very much, Coree <3
We have a turntable and I love it, and a handful of Christmas albums we've found at second-hand shops, but I'd love to be intentional about getting a few of my nostalgic favourites!
The post-Christmas malaise hit me hard this year as well. It’s fun to see your plans and I’m glad you see your Europe trip as enough “stretch” at least for now! That’s huge!
I just sat down with a 26 for 2026 list and most of it’s going to be “fun” goals. Top of the list was to try 3 new soups – I know, my ambition is truly inspirational.
Here’s to watching Rebecca! And The Enchanted April once I’ve gotten my hands or ears on the book!
Ugh. I’m so sorry you’re feeling it, too. (I swear all the snow days in December did NOT help; having the kids home doesn’t feel like a novelty at this point). That said, I’m glad we can struggle through the post-Christmas doldrums together.
I cannot WAIT to hear all about your list and I think trying 3 new soups sounds like a great goal. And I want the recipes of any you end up loving!
How could I forget The Enchanted April??? Yes! That’s a bonus goal for sure.
I love that question- what exactly am I stretching TOWARD? I haven’t made any goals for 2026 yet (I really need to read Sarah’s book!!!) but that’s a question to ponder.
I did really well for the first few days after Christmas- I didn’t get my usual depression. Today I’m starting to feel it though. I know we have to move on, I know the New Year will be exciting, I know Christmas will come again- but the bottom line is, life is just less sparkly and exciting now. I know I have to get through this lull, and then all will be well again. Sigh.
Spoiler alert: Sarah’s book will almost certainly inspire you to set goals for 2026!
I feel the cloud starting to lift a bit for me today; we’re swapping doldrums. I do struggle with the period between Christmas and New Year’s. It feels like no-man’s land. No big plans (and I’m peopled and celebrated out so don’t want big plans) but also… I’m restless.
My father-in-law just left for the airport and I have the guest bed sheet in the washing machine and I’m tackling some items on my to-do list for the week and that is helping boost my mood. I just felt very aimless from Boxing Day – today!
Life is DEFINITELY less sparkly and it’s hard to come down off the glitter and hype and warm, jolly feelings. And we’re staring down a week of freezing temperatures and I just want SUNSHINE!!
I don’t think I’ve known what day it was since this time last week. lol I am feeling a bit meh, we’ve just taken the Christmas decorations down so it’s feeling pretty bare in here.
Good luck with the move, I hope all goes well.
Allison’s post hit a nerve with me as well and I am feeling a lot of the “middle-aged” feelings around Christmas…. I am usually such a disciplined and goal-oriented person but for some reason at the end of the year, my wheels fall off and I am super-intimidated by the new year and making any sort of tangible goal list. But reading your post (and also Sarah’s book) have sparked a bit of “motivation” in me to start 2026 differently… especially after the year that I had. I want to be more intentional with what I want to accomplish next year (I often shy away from new year’s resolutions or goals, and have called previous post “the things I want to do”… and I like the thought of including things that bring joy, not just things that are challenging). Thanks for sharing your list! You have some wonderful goals on there…
I don’t get a huge surge of year-end energy (I feel far more inspired in September when the kids go back to school; I think at least some of that is because the weather is so cold and dismal here this time of year).
Sarah’s book felt motivating in such a good way (I didn’t feel pressured or chastised). I’m glad I got some “goals” down on paper.
Me too, Bibliomama2!! Just blogging my little heart out, knowing no other bloggers, having tens of readers since 2008. . . and hearing about people’s giant goals, stretch goals, big hairy audacious goals just makes me feel like a loser.
It a popular opinion, but, like Lisa above, I’m feeling relief?… it was a great, low key celebration where I got to enjoy the spirit and to rest. My goal for this week between Christmas and new years was just that: rest. So I rested. I read Sarah’s book (so good), I napped, and I watched TV. Still have a few days to enjoy just that.
A real goal for me is something that I need or want to do- and hopeful I do it. I want to get healthier. I want to make exercise part of my life. I want to travel. I want to read and write. I want to work. I want to save money. I want to invest. I want to keep learning about investing. I want to go on more dates with Tony. I want to work on myself in terms of managing anxiety.
Don’t really have a small goal, yet… but I have this week to think deeply about it…
I felt the same way about needing to plan for 2026 while reading Sarah’s book. When I finished the book, I finished setting my goals for 2026! I’m super excited about them.
A fun goal next year is to connect more with old friends, and I’m starting now.
I really hope we manage to meet up, Elisabeth! It would be great to finally meet you and the family in person.
A friend shared a simple idea with me yesterday that I want to start in the new year: whenever a photo really stands out or captures a special moment, move it straight into a folder labelled “2026”. By the end of the year, you’ve already got a best-of collection and don’t have to wade through thousands of photos to make an album. Such a smart idea!
Fun goals are real goals! Goals are goals. We don’t need to take them so seriously, that’s my opinion anyway! I love your goals and how manageable they are. Some years are for stretching and other years are for savoring life.
I think I took goals VERY seriously for a number of years. And I did stretch myself, so it wasn’t a bad thing, necessarily, but I was stressed about things that DID NOT MATTER. I guess I want to stress less. And, pondering what I’m stretching toward and for? Growth is good, but stretching too far is downright painful!
“It costs what it costs” is an excellent reminder for all of us, and there is no getting around many costs in life.
I think having fun goals is a lovely way to reframe all goals. Right? I mean, if we achieve any goal, then it feels like fun. Maybe that’s just me?
I’ve set a few ‘health’ goals for the coming year, and of course, I really want to simplify my life, which appears will be happening in the near future.
I love reading your goals and I love the mix of fun and ways to grow (although fun helps us grow too of course!). I am so excited for your extended trip to Europe. That will be an incredible experience for your and your family together and I look forward to following along and taking notes. I hope to take our family on our first international trip in the next 2-3 years. Happy 2026!
It will be an experience like no other (for our family). It’s equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking, but I’m trying to lean into the excited feelings.
I appreciated your talk on goals. I don’t set goals and when I read about so many of my blogger friends setting them I wonder what’s wrong with me? But, I think doing what I do, and keeping up with all the things I keep up with – like working out daily, and juggling all the girls’ therapy appointments, and running my daycare, and connecting with the younger girls, my bio kids, and Coach is enough. I don’t wish to feel stretched (that resonated with me) and I think for me, I know that my day to day is a lot and I need to be ‘on’ for a lot of people in my life, so letting the house get messier or not sorting laundry the minute its done is not a big deal. Writing goals would be nice, but I don’t want to feel like writing is a chore. I have a great writing group and they hold me accountable which is great. If I set any goal, I’d set one that involves carving out social time. Maybe after Curly’s basketball season? 😉
I am not struggling with post holiday let down or sadness and I’m grateful for that. I had to really scramble to pull off organizing all the gifts in addition to all that went into hosting two Christmas parties here, so I think I’m team ‘PHEW, GLAD I CAN RELAX NOW.’
I could not agree with you more that moving to another country for four months and being with your kids nonstop is enough of a stretch for you. I look forward to hearing all about that adventure.
Yes, yes, yes! And truly, in this culture, it feels like “fun goals” are the new stretch. People have forgotten how to enjoy, how to savor, how to have fun without worrying about how it looks/what others think/how it reflects or impacts arbitrary “big pictures” … I’m all for the fun goals 🙂
You have such an exciting year ahead of you. I am still catching up and slowly learning of your Europe plans but I am so excited for you and your family.
I like your goals and the things you plan to do. Sometimes sorting this and seeing your priorities it what it is all about. And not every year is for major growths.
I love this post – it makes me think of the importance of being, well, ordinary. I don’t WANT to be a high achiever. I’ve finally realized that what I really want is a life – and a more balanced one, at that. I’m trying to make some changes that will, I hope, get me there in the next few years. Thank you for setting a good example. 🙂 <3
On a completely different note… I should read Rebecca… It's one of those "important" books that never made it onto my schools' required reading lists.
For the mantra, I like ” it costs what it costs.” I imagine traveling in Europe might get costly at time, but you’ll be building so many memories and experiencing fun things, so go for it! I understand it’s not a permit to be prodigal with your funds, but a way to balance cost and value- not the same thing!
Your dessert goal is great. I think buying a treat when I’m out is a great thing about being an adult!
Can my goal can be ” to have a measurable goal at some point in the year.”?
Embrace this amorphous time!
Yes, I think I can lean into “it costs what it costs” because I have underlying frugal tendencies. For so many years I was so adverse to spending ANY superfluous money, it can be hard for me to not feel guilt over “fun” expenses (or, to be honest, non-fun expenses). But especially when we travel, or even if it’s something that’s special, like a restaurant meal out, I could really dampen my enthusiasm by projecting how much it was going to cost.
I’ve used this mantra before in other contexts and it really helps me to remind myself: it will cost what it costs, but I’ve chosen this activity/experience/item for a specific reason and it’s meaningful to me so it’s worth the expenditure!
I almost NEVER buy dessert out, so it feels like a luxury. I love reframing it as an adult experience, too. Yes, I have the autonomy to do that.
Your goal can be whatever you want it to be, my friend!
I just finished listening to Tranquility by Tuesday (the book that got you to start blogging – yay!), and I was really struck by her point of making sure that goals include fun things and to stop spending time on things that do not serve us (aka hire a housecleaner instead of spending huge chunks of time that could be spent on other goals on cleaning, find ways to get your partner and family to share in the work of keeping the house running instead of having it all fall on one person). All of which is to say YES to fun goals and a hard no to making every goal a big huge serious lift. Living in another country for four months is enough for big stuff for 2026.
This time of year can often be an emotional low for me, but it’s much better this year…hmmm could it be because I’m not stressed out of my mind from work and slammed with year end deadlines?
I have a running list on my phone that is either going to be a 26 for 26 or a 100 goals list, TBD. But two of the items on it are to go on a hot air balloon ride and to take Doggo swimming.
I just watched Rebecca AND read the book, so I’m very excited for you and Joy to see it.
Happy New Year!
I am so glad you’re heading into your first year of RETIREMENT. That is so huge, Birchie. All the gold stars for making this happen.
A hot air balloon ride sounds like a very exciting goal/100 dreams item!!
I can’t wait to watch the movie. Will report back…
I used to feel the after-Christmas blues HARD. Christmas can be so fraught with emotions and high expectations. The past couple of years, Christmas has been quiet and peaceful, and I enjoyed it so much more. The highs aren’t as high, but the lows aren’t as low, and it was nice. My family stopped exchanging gifts, which helped immensely! (Of course, with kids, that’s not happening!)
I love what you wrote about not feeling drawn to being stretched by your goals – and just working towards things you enjoy. I’m right there with you on that!
I used to want to be stretched and now… not so much. Or maybe I am still stretched, but in less stressful ways? I don’t like to run on adrenaline anymore 🙂
It’s always nice to post something that resonates with other people – one of the most valuable parts of blogging is that for so much of my life I felt like such a weirdo, and blogging has shown me that either I’m less weird than I always felt or that many of my friends are weird in the same way, and honestly, I’m fine with both of those options.
I think I feel sort of the same about goals. I feel like I should set some, but setting them makes me feel like I’m not doing well enough as I am, which is always something I struggle with anyway (see previous paragraph lol), and because of the way I am even setting a goal FOR MYSELF stresses me out. Because it doesn’t feel legit unless it’s something difficult that I will struggle with (Catholicism did a real number on me, not gonna lie). Perhaps my goal should be setting some small achievable goals. I definitely want to take my parents out for lunch this winter – they get stuck in their house, especially my dad.
“Blogging has shown me that either I’m less weird than I always felt or that many of my friends are weird in the same way, and honestly, I’m fine with both of those options.” Haha! LOVE THIS!!!! Yes, it really is so cathartic to know that other people relate to things that I thought were singular to me.
Maybe you could set four goals? One per quarter? You already have one for Winter: take your parents out for lunch!
For many years I thought Christmas was kind of boring—the same people, doing the same things, year after year. Then Dad got a brain tumor, and everything went flat. Or hollow. Just wrong. It was then that I realized instead of waiting for something “special”, the regular year after year stuff WAS special, and I was too stupid to realize it. We continued the best we could, enjoying each other, and 15 years after Dad’s brain tumor and death, my brother-in-law got a brain tumor and died. And that was the end of special Christmases. Now I am working on recognizing that a quiet Christmas with just my husband is special. I don’t want to be stupid and miss this!
Elisabeth, you are impressive with your goal setting. This year I plan on reading through the Bible with Tara-Leigh Cobble and several friends. Other than that, I keep an ongoing list of things to take care of, this time organized into easy, hard, and really hard (or similar categories). The easy ones listed in the fall are mostly finished; the really hard ones are the ones that require my husband’s buy-in, or are projects at church that require coordination with and participation in by others.
When Christmas is past, I feel relieved. It brings me happiness to finish projects and get stuff done. Hmmm, someone around here seems to measure her worthiness by accomplishments. . .
Thanks so sharing these thoughts about Christmas; it changes so much over the years and as we say goodbye to people (and traditions) we’ve loved for so long.
I loved the Bible Recap; I’ll be curious what you think!
Dare I say I feel kind of relieved when Christmas is over? I enjoy the season but there is also a lot of pressure and expectations. I like this period after where the kids have opened their gifts and things are mostly put away and they have new things to play with. And this year is extra great as we have an easier week with just one kid while the other makes memories with my parents plus the extended family that are still at my parents through the 1st.
I hadn’t set goals in quite awhile but did 25 in ‘25 last year which was mostly fun goals. But I need fun in my life. This year I am doing 25 in ‘26. I decided to stick with 25 again this year. I’ll post about it next week I think as I am still finalizing my list! I love your mantras!!
I am excited to see your list!!!
I find the week between Christmas and New Year’s a bit antsy. Mostly because I would love to declutter the house, get caught up on all sorts of tasks…but the kids are home and still in vacation mode. It feels a bit like a hurry up and wait period of time?
My goal a couple of years ago was to try more flavours of ice cream. I just felt boring, choosing the same flavour all the time.
It was a huge success as a bit of happiness so I’ve repeated it as a goal every year. It’s just a small, fun thing. And if I don’t like the flavour l, well, I don’t feel bad about putting it in the bin.
Meeting the goal tends to involve going out for fancy ice cream or looking for something fun to try while travelling. I like having older kids now so we can just go out after dinner occasionally.
Best flavour of last year: apricot in Paris.
What a fun, delicious goal!!! And I think it sounds like a wonderful goal to make a life-long pursuit.
Apricot in Paris…DIVINE!
I don’t have post-Christmas blues, exactly but I do feel like rest is kind of forcing itself on me, in a not unpleasant way.
Goals are hard for me, which feels like a cop out. Yet there it is.
Your goals sound wonderful and I love your mantras.
Yay for rest. You have such a busy life with lots of activity. It must be nice to NOT be shuttling Carla to school and events. Enjoy extra snuggles with Leo <3
Goals are there to serve us; if they don't work well for you (or at least the semantics of calling them goals, you accomplish all sorts of great things without needing to set structured goals), don't do 'em!
Kindred spirits – A and T have joked I’ve reached the antsy list making stage of the holiday, not helped by the fact we need to get the house on the market when we get home. Luckily the Lisbon airport strike has been called off. We set family resolutions this morning – we are going to watch all the studio ghibli movies, play through all the games we own, and do at least two nature walks or cycles per month and host in our new home, A is going to play more tennis, more piano and read more books, T is going to do more climbing (maybe a day camp), read 50 books, and improve his piano, and I’m going to do more yoga, find a new volunteer role, dock my phone and devices at 5pm, and start a commonplace book. All feel like positive additions – watch MORE movies – rather than punitive.
You’ll love the vinyl. You can often get themed bundles on eBay. We got a turntable for Christmas last year and it’s one of our favourite things.
Yes! I’m officially antsy. I think with all the snow days, I feel like the kids have already been off SO much in December and I’m a bit startled there is still a week of school holiday to go.
You have a lot coming your way at the start of 2026, but I love that you’ve set fun, pleasant resolutions for the year ahead!!! They really do all feel so positive, expansive (reading 50 books! playing all the games! hosting people! finding a new volunteer role!).
I love these so very much, Coree <3
We have a turntable and I love it, and a handful of Christmas albums we've found at second-hand shops, but I'd love to be intentional about getting a few of my nostalgic favourites!
The post-Christmas malaise hit me hard this year as well. It’s fun to see your plans and I’m glad you see your Europe trip as enough “stretch” at least for now! That’s huge!
I just sat down with a 26 for 2026 list and most of it’s going to be “fun” goals. Top of the list was to try 3 new soups – I know, my ambition is truly inspirational.
Here’s to watching Rebecca! And The Enchanted April once I’ve gotten my hands or ears on the book!
Ugh. I’m so sorry you’re feeling it, too. (I swear all the snow days in December did NOT help; having the kids home doesn’t feel like a novelty at this point). That said, I’m glad we can struggle through the post-Christmas doldrums together.
I cannot WAIT to hear all about your list and I think trying 3 new soups sounds like a great goal. And I want the recipes of any you end up loving!
How could I forget The Enchanted April??? Yes! That’s a bonus goal for sure.
I love that question- what exactly am I stretching TOWARD? I haven’t made any goals for 2026 yet (I really need to read Sarah’s book!!!) but that’s a question to ponder.
I did really well for the first few days after Christmas- I didn’t get my usual depression. Today I’m starting to feel it though. I know we have to move on, I know the New Year will be exciting, I know Christmas will come again- but the bottom line is, life is just less sparkly and exciting now. I know I have to get through this lull, and then all will be well again. Sigh.
Spoiler alert: Sarah’s book will almost certainly inspire you to set goals for 2026!
I feel the cloud starting to lift a bit for me today; we’re swapping doldrums. I do struggle with the period between Christmas and New Year’s. It feels like no-man’s land. No big plans (and I’m peopled and celebrated out so don’t want big plans) but also… I’m restless.
My father-in-law just left for the airport and I have the guest bed sheet in the washing machine and I’m tackling some items on my to-do list for the week and that is helping boost my mood. I just felt very aimless from Boxing Day – today!
Life is DEFINITELY less sparkly and it’s hard to come down off the glitter and hype and warm, jolly feelings. And we’re staring down a week of freezing temperatures and I just want SUNSHINE!!
I don’t think I’ve known what day it was since this time last week. lol I am feeling a bit meh, we’ve just taken the Christmas decorations down so it’s feeling pretty bare in here.
Good luck with the move, I hope all goes well.
Everything does look so bare when the decor comes down; I tend to do it in stages (started today)!
Allison’s post hit a nerve with me as well and I am feeling a lot of the “middle-aged” feelings around Christmas…. I am usually such a disciplined and goal-oriented person but for some reason at the end of the year, my wheels fall off and I am super-intimidated by the new year and making any sort of tangible goal list. But reading your post (and also Sarah’s book) have sparked a bit of “motivation” in me to start 2026 differently… especially after the year that I had. I want to be more intentional with what I want to accomplish next year (I often shy away from new year’s resolutions or goals, and have called previous post “the things I want to do”… and I like the thought of including things that bring joy, not just things that are challenging). Thanks for sharing your list! You have some wonderful goals on there…
I don’t get a huge surge of year-end energy (I feel far more inspired in September when the kids go back to school; I think at least some of that is because the weather is so cold and dismal here this time of year).
Sarah’s book felt motivating in such a good way (I didn’t feel pressured or chastised). I’m glad I got some “goals” down on paper.
Me too, Bibliomama2!! Just blogging my little heart out, knowing no other bloggers, having tens of readers since 2008. . . and hearing about people’s giant goals, stretch goals, big hairy audacious goals just makes me feel like a loser.
Well, hopefully my NOT hairy, stretchy, or otherwise big goals didn’t seem overwhelming to you!
It a popular opinion, but, like Lisa above, I’m feeling relief?… it was a great, low key celebration where I got to enjoy the spirit and to rest. My goal for this week between Christmas and new years was just that: rest. So I rested. I read Sarah’s book (so good), I napped, and I watched TV. Still have a few days to enjoy just that.
A real goal for me is something that I need or want to do- and hopeful I do it. I want to get healthier. I want to make exercise part of my life. I want to travel. I want to read and write. I want to work. I want to save money. I want to invest. I want to keep learning about investing. I want to go on more dates with Tony. I want to work on myself in terms of managing anxiety.
Don’t really have a small goal, yet… but I have this week to think deeply about it…
I mean to say “not a popular opinion”
This sounds wonderful and SO needed after your very busy year. I hope the coming days are delightful and very restorative.
I felt the same way about needing to plan for 2026 while reading Sarah’s book. When I finished the book, I finished setting my goals for 2026! I’m super excited about them.
A fun goal next year is to connect more with old friends, and I’m starting now.
Can’t wait to read all about your goals for 2026!
I really hope we manage to meet up, Elisabeth! It would be great to finally meet you and the family in person.
A friend shared a simple idea with me yesterday that I want to start in the new year: whenever a photo really stands out or captures a special moment, move it straight into a folder labelled “2026”. By the end of the year, you’ve already got a best-of collection and don’t have to wade through thousands of photos to make an album. Such a smart idea!
That’s a great idea for coming up with the “best of the best” photos.
I take… so many photos. I love having so many memories recorded, but it can definitely start to feel overwhelming!
Fun goals are real goals! Goals are goals. We don’t need to take them so seriously, that’s my opinion anyway! I love your goals and how manageable they are. Some years are for stretching and other years are for savoring life.
Amen, sister!
I think I took goals VERY seriously for a number of years. And I did stretch myself, so it wasn’t a bad thing, necessarily, but I was stressed about things that DID NOT MATTER. I guess I want to stress less. And, pondering what I’m stretching toward and for? Growth is good, but stretching too far is downright painful!
“It costs what it costs” is an excellent reminder for all of us, and there is no getting around many costs in life.
I think having fun goals is a lovely way to reframe all goals. Right? I mean, if we achieve any goal, then it feels like fun. Maybe that’s just me?
I’ve set a few ‘health’ goals for the coming year, and of course, I really want to simplify my life, which appears will be happening in the near future.
I love reading your goals and I love the mix of fun and ways to grow (although fun helps us grow too of course!). I am so excited for your extended trip to Europe. That will be an incredible experience for your and your family together and I look forward to following along and taking notes. I hope to take our family on our first international trip in the next 2-3 years. Happy 2026!
It will be an experience like no other (for our family). It’s equal parts exciting and nerve-wracking, but I’m trying to lean into the excited feelings.
I appreciated your talk on goals. I don’t set goals and when I read about so many of my blogger friends setting them I wonder what’s wrong with me? But, I think doing what I do, and keeping up with all the things I keep up with – like working out daily, and juggling all the girls’ therapy appointments, and running my daycare, and connecting with the younger girls, my bio kids, and Coach is enough. I don’t wish to feel stretched (that resonated with me) and I think for me, I know that my day to day is a lot and I need to be ‘on’ for a lot of people in my life, so letting the house get messier or not sorting laundry the minute its done is not a big deal. Writing goals would be nice, but I don’t want to feel like writing is a chore. I have a great writing group and they hold me accountable which is great. If I set any goal, I’d set one that involves carving out social time. Maybe after Curly’s basketball season? 😉
I am not struggling with post holiday let down or sadness and I’m grateful for that. I had to really scramble to pull off organizing all the gifts in addition to all that went into hosting two Christmas parties here, so I think I’m team ‘PHEW, GLAD I CAN RELAX NOW.’
I could not agree with you more that moving to another country for four months and being with your kids nonstop is enough of a stretch for you. I look forward to hearing all about that adventure.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one not feeling particularly motivated to “stretch” – though I should definitely do more of the flexibility variety 😉
Yes, yes, yes! And truly, in this culture, it feels like “fun goals” are the new stretch. People have forgotten how to enjoy, how to savor, how to have fun without worrying about how it looks/what others think/how it reflects or impacts arbitrary “big pictures” … I’m all for the fun goals 🙂
Yes to all of this! Sometimes it’s okay to be… average 🙂
You have such an exciting year ahead of you. I am still catching up and slowly learning of your Europe plans but I am so excited for you and your family.
I like your goals and the things you plan to do. Sometimes sorting this and seeing your priorities it what it is all about. And not every year is for major growths.
I love this post – it makes me think of the importance of being, well, ordinary. I don’t WANT to be a high achiever. I’ve finally realized that what I really want is a life – and a more balanced one, at that. I’m trying to make some changes that will, I hope, get me there in the next few years. Thank you for setting a good example. 🙂 <3
On a completely different note… I should read Rebecca… It's one of those "important" books that never made it onto my schools' required reading lists.
I hope you read Rebecca this year; it is definitely a classic for a reason. Joy and I are going to watch the movie soon!