Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope you had a lovely Christmas Eve and are looking forward to celebrating Christmas.

I have a few drafts sitting unfinished. I kept wondering whether I should post them now, but I think I will save them for next year. Before moving ahead, though, I found myself pausing and looking back at how this year actually went.

There were many changes — I like to say I am growing up. With that came a lot of new thoughts. One thing I realised while reflecting is that I barely recognise the person I was at the start of the year. And if you feel the same — that before the year ends, you have grown — I think it’s okay to own that. I don’t see anything wrong in it.

At the beginning of the year, you might have had a list of things you wanted to achieve. Some worked out. Some didn’t. And some never even got started. I’ve started believing that the things that didn’t work out might make sense a year or two from now. Sometimes the universe doesn’t explain itself immediately.

Now comes the question everyone asks — what’s your New Year’s Eve plan?

Some people have fancy plans, and that’s great. But if you don’t, here’s a simple one. I’m following this myself.

The last days of the year:

• Day 1: Take care of yourself — skincare, rest, slowing down.
• Day 2: Watch the movies you saved for “later.” Maybe two of them.
• Day 3: Check in on your friends. A reel, a message, something small. We like our shells, but does our dopamine always agree?
• Day 4: New Year’s Eve — have your favourite food. For me, it’s hot chocolate with instant noodles and quietly saying, here we are.

And if New Year’s Eve feels overhyped, you’re not alone. A date changes, a year changes, and everything else stays the same.

But maybe try one small thing this time — a vision board. Pick four things you like, make a small collage, and save it on your phone. Will it work? No clue. But what is there to lose?

If you are wondering where last week’s blog went — December in Europe has been distracting in the best way. Christmas markets everywhere, something new to see each weekend. I have been stepping out, roaming around, and making small memories. I am in Edinburgh, sipping my coffee while writing the last bit for this year, and let me tell you — it feels amazing. With one weekend still left, I plan to enjoy it while quietly thinking about what I want next year to feel like.

If you are wondering where last week’s blog went — December in Europe has been distracting in the best way. Christmas markets everywhere, something new to see each weekend. I have been stepping out, roaming around, and making small memories. I am in Edinburgh, sipping my coffee while writing the last bit for this year, and let me tell you — it feels amazing. With few days still left, I plan to enjoy it while quietly thinking about what I want next year to feel like.

For now, I am signing off for the year, hoping for good weather before flying back to Dublin. Putting these thoughts down, stepping away from drafts, and letting myself enjoy what I’ve achieved — even if most of it lives in my notes app for now.

I will be back next year with new thoughts. If you’d like, drop your reflections for this year or tell me what you want to read next.

Wishing you a Happy New Year and a wonderful year ahead.