My NYE Rituals

I’ve always gravitated towards spending New Years at home. I crave being in my own element – with people I love.

I think there is something sacred about the new year. For me, I’ve never been drawn to spending NYE out and about at a huge party or event.

I’m a total introvert, and spending time with larger groups of people is often draining, and I come away feeling depleted and agitated. It took a long time for me to realize this, however once I did it was a huge unlock for me. I learned how to more proactively allocate my time - and be a bit more aware of how certain situations can impact my wellbeing.

I’ve always felt a tremendous amount of pressure to go out for New Years Eve – be it from friends, family or even simply because it seems like the thing to do. It took me a few years, but I finally was able to understand that this simply wasn’t doing it for me. Now, that’s not to say it’s wrong to go out and celebrate - please do! If you’re heading out to a party and are stoked about it - GO for it! I love a good party, but for me it’s all about timing, and for me new years is personal.

I don’t set “resolutions” and quite frankly I don’t believe in them. I think just because the numbers change on the calendar – it doesn’t mean you need to dramatically change aspects of your life. Changes are made over time, and with honest hard work. However I do personally believe that the small things we can do on a daily basis to take care of ourselves can really set the tone for how we greet a new year. For me, always seek to be the best version of myself going into the new year as opposed to forcing a pressure to change starting on the first of the year.

I love taking sunshine filled walks through out neighborhood, the beauty is endless!

However there are elements of New Years that I do really love and cherish. I find that looking back on the year in retrospect is highly rewarding. I love reminiscing on events and milestones both large and small. Looking back is one of the best ways to understand how far you’ve come and the achievements you’ve made in order to get where you are today. Even the ordinary moments can teach us great things.

So that said, my NYE traditions are somewhat personal and sacred to me. I love spending the day outdoors, either hiking or going for urban walks through my favorite neighborhoods of the city. I try to spend the few days after Christmas leading up to New Years focusing on wellness. After the extravagance of the holidays, it feels so good to pair back a bit, clean the house, head to the spa, and eat some nourishing foods.

NYE dinner always consists of something fun but nourishing - I love popping a favorite bottle of wine and pairing it with a delish and healthy meal.

On NYE I love making a fun and healthy meal, such as homemade pizza with tons of veggies or a fun plant-based taco bar. I’ll make a celebratory cheese board (because you can’t really celebrate without cheese) and make one of my favorite beverages. Another favorite tradition is to have a little at-home spa sesh before ringing in the new year. I’ll take off any things of yesteryear like nail polish and go makeup free for the day - so that I can greet the new year in my purest and most comfortable form. Loungewear is also essential! I practically live in these cozy joggers during the time between Christmas and New Years.

This year, it’ll be our first NYE with Millie so I can’t wait to get outdoors during the day and to have a major cuddle sesh cozied up on the sofa in the evening. I think we’ll pop our favorite bottle of pinot and have a movie marathon too. I generally only will have 1-2 glasses of wine / champs before switching over to tea. I love waking up the next day feeling fresh and in my best form to greet the new year.

A few more of my new years traditions

I love buying fresh flowers on NYE so that I can wake up to them the next day.
Always stock up on groceries a few days before to beat the crowd and to ensure we’re well stocked with wholesome foods for the week.
At-home-spa sesh featuring a bath, facial and hair mask.
Clear out my inbox, desktops, and texts a few days before - so I can have a bit more mental clarity when I head back to work post-holiday.
Light candles throughout the house.
Rub a bit of lavender essential oil on the bottoms of my feet before bed - it helps me to sleep soundly.

Whatever your traditions may be, I hope you all have a lovely start to the new year! xx