As we wind down another 2023, it's time to gear up for what's next. There are 30 days until 2024 - that means you have 4 weeks to prep for the new year. In this guide, we'll cover one topic for your family to consider each week. By the end of the year, your family will have reflected on the past year, decluttered, set family goals, and created a vision board. Let's get right into it.

Week 1: Reflection

Reflecting on the past year is a crucial investment for families, offering a valuable opportunity for understanding growth, identifying patterns, fostering gratitude, enhancing communication, and setting the tone for goal-setting. This intentional pause in the hectic pace of life allows both parents and kids to recognize personal and collective progress, appreciate positive moments, and build a foundation for a more intentional and fulfilling future. It's not merely looking back; it's a strategic step toward continuous improvement and stronger family connections.

Activity

Create a "Memory Jar" together. Have each family member jot down their favorite memories or important events from the past year on small pieces of paper. Decorate a jar and place the notes inside. Spend an evening going through the memories together. It's a tangible way to capture and appreciate the good stuff.

Make It Monthly

Turn reflection into a routine. Make it a weekly or monthly family meeting where everyone shares a highlight and a challenge from their week or month. It doesn't have to be a formal affair—just a casual chat around the dinner table. This not only helps in building a habit of reflection but also strengthens family communication. Over time, you'll have a clearer picture of your family's journey and the lessons learned along the way.

Week 2: Decluttering

Decluttering and organizing are essential for families as they contribute to a more harmonious living environment. Beyond the tangible benefits of a tidy space, the process instills a sense of responsibility and shared ownership among family members. By regularly engaging in decluttering, families not only reduce physical chaos but also cultivate a mindset of simplicity and order. This intentional practice teaches children valuable lessons about the importance of organization, resourcefulness, and maintaining a clean, stress-free home, setting the stage for a more balanced and focused year ahead.

Activity

Try the "Ten-Minute Tidy." Set a timer for ten minutes and challenge the family to tidy up as much as they can in that short burst of time. Each member focuses on a specific area, putting away items and straightening up. It's a quick and efficient way to make a noticeable impact on the overall tidiness of the home without feeling overwhelming. Plus, turning it into a friendly competition can add an element of fun while achieving a clutter-free space. Repeat this short and focused decluttering session each day of the week to maintain an organized living environment without dedicating extensive time to the task.

Make It Monthly

Transform the "Ten-Minute Tidy" into a monthly family routine by designating a specific day each month for a more comprehensive session. On this day, set aside a slightly longer block of time, say 30 minutes to an hour, and use it to tackle various areas of the house. Rotate through different rooms or focus on specific zones, such as closets, drawers, or play areas, during each monthly session. By extending the duration once a month, you can address more substantial decluttering tasks while still maintaining the efficiency and manageable time commitment of the original ten-minute concept. This monthly decluttering ritual ensures that your living spaces remain organized and clutter-free throughout the year.

Week 3: Goal-Setting

Goal-setting is pivotal for families as it provides a shared sense of direction and purpose. By engaging children in the process, families can cultivate a proactive mindset, encouraging personal growth and mutual support. Setting goals together not only fosters a sense of responsibility but also teaches valuable skills such as planning, perseverance, and adaptability. Moreover, it establishes a framework for open communication and collaboration within the family, strengthening bonds and creating a roadmap for shared achievements. In essence, goal-setting empowers families to work collectively towards a brighter and more fulfilling future.

Activity

Every year, we have a "Family Goal Jar" where every family member writes their individual goals on separate pieces of paper, all placed into a shared jar. As a collective effort, these goals represent the family's aspirations for the upcoming year. To add a dimension of reflection, make it an annual tradition to gather around the jar on the same date each year. Retrieve the papers, review the goals, and discuss the progress made as a family. This activity not only encourages shared goal-setting but also fosters a sense of unity as you collectively track and celebrate your family's journey over the years.

PRO TIP: If you have younger kids, extend the goal period to 4 years, giving children more flexibility to pursue larger tasks.

Make It Monthly

Transform the "Family Goal Jar" into an ongoing monthly ritual. Instead of one goal a year, set one goal a month. At the start of each monthly, reflect on the steps taken towards that goal, share any challenges faced, and discuss potential adjustments. Rotate through each family member's goals throughout the year, fostering continuous dialogue and shared accountability. By making this a regular occurrence, you not only maintain focus on your family's aspirations but also create a habit of consistent reflection and support, ensuring that everyone stays on track and motivated month after month.

Week 4: Vision Boards

Now that you've set your goals, it's time to set family goals. Creating a family vision board is crucial as it visually encapsulates shared goals and aspirations, serving as a powerful reminder of what the family collectively envisions for the future. This tangible representation fosters a sense of unity, motivates family members to work toward common objectives, and provides a visual roadmap for the year ahead. Regularly revisiting and updating the vision board not only reinforces the family's commitment to its goals but also allows for adaptation as circumstances evolve, ensuring that everyone remains aligned with their shared vision and invested in the journey together.

Activity

Kick off the session by gathering old magazines, scissors, glue, and a large poster board. Encourage each family member to find and cut out images or words that represent their individual and collective goals. Arrange these cutouts on the poster board, creating a vibrant and personalized collage that captures your family's vision for the future.

Make It Monthly

Reinforce the importance of your family's vision by making it a monthly tradition to revisit and update the vision board. Allow each member to add new aspirations, adjust existing goals, or replace visuals that no longer align with their vision. This ongoing activity ensures that your family's aspirations remain dynamic and reflective of your evolving priorities, fostering a sense of shared purpose throughout the year.

In Conclusion

It's hard to prepare for a new year in just one week. But by starting early and focusing on just one topic each week, your family will have a head start going into 2024.

-Sylvia