Monday, December 30
by: Liz Smith

I love the hope and wonder that marks the beginning of a new year. In the month of December, we get to read and reflect on the miraculous birth of Christ and then celebrate Jesus as we move into a new year! The newness of Jesus’ birth connects for me with the newness of the year ahead. And while I am not super fond of new year’s resolutions, as I find they aren’t always attainable. I love the idea of a fresh start each year, the idea of taking a look at the year behind, learning from it, and then noting where I can go from there. Most importantly, where I can invite God into my life in the new year. 

This is something that I hope to do in the future with my family. I think there is value in teaching children about the newness that comes from Jesus’ birth and how we can mark that with the newness of each year, or even with each day, as Lamentations 3:22 tells us that God’s compassion and mercies are new each morning. There is such joy in that verse. We have a fresh start to our lives, years, or days if we choose to accept it and even more that God offers it readily available for us. What a gift! 

So with that in mind, I had an idea for walking into the new year with kids. Create a mural to reflect back on or add to throughout the year. Try and keep a focus on what feels attainable, more like a small simple change over a large and radically life changing goal. Maybe that means a few minutes in the Bible or talking to God either together or individually each morning before everyone leaves the house. Or take a walk once or twice a week and use that time to connect with your family or pray as you walk. A wise friend of mine once said, “Make the things that are important to you non-negotiables.” They are not something to shrug off when there isn't time, because unless we make time, there is never enough time. Set a date and time in your calendar and treat it as a must in your life. If you have a busy schedule or tend to put the needs of others ahead of yourself, this thought process may be helpful. It certainly helped me put healthier practices in place. 

Using markers and a roll of paper, roll out a long piece of paper on the floor. Or tape a few pieces of 8.5x11” paper together.  In the middle, write the new year in large letters and decorate around it. Ask your kids what starting a new year means to them. Ask if they have any reachable goals or skills that they want to learn about in the new year. Have each member of your family draw or write theirs out on the paper.  Think about adding a family goal, such as helping a neighbor in need by doing yard work or bringing a meal over when needed. After everything is put on the paper, pray together and dedicate your next year to the Lord. Roll up your paper and keep it somewhere notable so that your family can look at it throughout the year. Let your kids reflect on their accomplishments and brainstorm ways to achieve what is important to them.