A Gentle Pause Before the New Year: Why This Season Is the Perfect Time to Reflect

Jennifer McNeil
Nov 24
4 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

“Reflect on what was, make space for what’s next.”

Christmas is always wild for me. I’m running around sorting everyone else’s gifts while my own Christmas list is basically sitting in a corner collecting dust. My “Christmas prep” doesn’t even start until the last orders are despatched, which leaves me about three days to pull something magical out of thin air. Then the madness kicks in.

We do Secret Santa at home, which does make my life easier. Everyone gets exactly what they want without the added pressure of trying to figure it out.

Before I know it, Christmas Day hits. I’m up making breakfast, then straight into the rest of the cooking with a Baileys in hand, and by dinner time, I’m usually pretty merry myself. Once dinner’s done, my job is done. I don’t lift another finger. I go into full hibernation mode for three days, DND on and absolutely not sorry.

But here’s the thing I’ve noticed lately: I always end up ill. Every single year. And let’s be honest, it’s because I’m running around trying to make everyone else’s Christmas magical without giving myself even a half-second to pause. Which is why I created a space for Christmas Reflections this year.

As the year winds down, everything around us seems to speed up. December has a funny way of being both heart-warming and hectic, meaningful and overwhelming. Between traditions, family routines, planning, preparing and trying to stay on top of everyday life, it becomes almost too easy to move through the season without pausing to breathe.

But this time of year is rich with moments worth noticing: the rituals that anchor us, the memories we create, the quiet reminders that we’ve grown more than we realise. Reflection gives you a chance to notice those patterns rather than being dragged by them. It’s about giving yourself space to reconnect with what matters.

That’s why this week’s blog introduces you to my Christmas Reflection Podcast, as a peaceful guided journalling experience. It’s a chance to sit with yourself for a few minutes, breathe, reflect and step into the New Year with a clearer sense of intention.

So let's move on to why Christmas holds a special place in our hearts.

Honouring Traditions and Connection

Traditions don’t appear out of nowhere. They come from family stories, cultural habits, memories and expectations. When you choose one tradition to hold onto this season, you’re choosing a thread that ties you to the people and experiences that shaped you.

That sense of belonging strengthens your confidence and stability going into the New Year.

Recognising Your Growth Through Challenge

Looking back on the challenges you faced this year reveals the strength you carried, the shifts you made and the resilience you built along the way.

Challenges reshape how you understand yourself. Stress, setbacks and pressure all leave an imprint, but so does perseverance. When you acknowledge a challenge you’ve moved through, you’re recognising the strengths you carried, the support you had around you and the shifts you made along the way.

This kind of reflection deepens self-awareness and helps you step into the New Year with a steadier sense of who you’ve become.

A Moment for You

If the season feels full, heavy or noisy, take a few minutes to reconnect with your thoughts and how this year has influenced you.

Those small pauses add clarity. They help you walk into the New Year with intention rather than survival mode.

Listen to the Guided Session

To support this reflection, I’ve recorded a gentle guided journalling session for you to unwind with. You can listen here:https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/bt5ZpfXynYb

It’s a calm space to help you breathe, centre yourself and prepare for the year ahead.

This is a taster session from my Christmas Guided Journalling set—designed to inspire reflection, mindfulness, and festive creativity. Experience a few of the prompts and exercises that can help you pause, reflect, and connect with what truly matters this season.

The full Christmas Guided Journalling set is available here.

Final Thoughts

As this year wraps itself around you one last time, take a moment to notice the way it shaped you. The moments that stretched you, the choices that challenged you, the experiences that pushed you forward even when you didn’t feel ready. These pieces of your year belong to your story just as much as the celebrations and calm moments.

Reflection helps you see the threads that connect where you’ve been with where you’re going, giving the New Year a sense of direction rather than pressure.

Let this season offer you space to breathe, acknowledge your growth and step into the year ahead with a steadier sense of yourself.

Discover coaching and guided journal packages at Life Story Coach by Jenni, or click here to explore journal sets available from Life Story Gifts by PEGGY

I have also introduced Wellbeing Week | 24 Nov - 1 Dec - a week dedicated to wellbeing gifts and tools that support you over the Festive season. Take advantage of the £15% discount on offer, available at Life Story Gifts by PEGGY.

If you are interested in receiving ongoing group support on your wellbeing journey, find out more about The Breakthrough Hub.