December

Today’s prompt for the Xmas Magic challenge is “December.” I knew from the start this one would be a writing. Let’s dig in.

December for me is a time of reflection. While many people use the holidays and especially the New Year to look forward and plan for the year ahead, I like to think on the year that is passing. For me, this is a time to celebrate my accomplishments. It is an opportunity to remember the adventures of the year. It is also a time to think on the lessons I’ve learned during the year. I find this especially important before starting a new year so that I can go into the year prepared to make the most of those lessons.

Reflecting on the accomplishments and adventures helps keep me grounded in the fact that there was more good in the year than it can feel like on the day to day. It also helps disrupt negative thought patterns about failure and stagnation. This has been especially important this year with major projects at work that feel like they will never end. Taking the time to pause and realize how far those projects have actually come during the year makes them seem much more manageable and allows me to feel more accomplished than stuck.

Sure there were some really rough times in 2025. The world is essentially on fire. My partner broke their leg badly. I almost went no contact with my father. I had significant struggles with a coworker. I had a grad school class that drove me insane. Those things aren’t fun or good but there was lots of good too and its way better for me to focus on them.

I went on 2 cruises this year. My husband and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary. I made new friends. I learned how to establish boundaries. I went on amazing roller coasters and saw fantastic concerts. We bought a house. I deepened my relationship with my boss and the coworkers I like and learned how to manage the coworker I don’t even if she still makes me crazy. I did big things at work and got bigger praise for them. I finished my second year of Grad school with only one B so far (thanks to that one class). I learned new skills as I established my social media presence as a content creator, first on TikTok and then on YouTube and Twitch. I made this website.

Overall, I’d say my year was pretty darn fantabulous and I am grateful for all of it. More importantly thanks to spending the time reflecting on these things during December and the holidays, I am ready to conquer this year. 2026 will be amazing. Watch me soar!

-Flower