New Year Intention-Setting

Take an hour or two to gently close one year and welcome the next with simple prompts and intentions.

Materials & Shopping Links

Journal or Paper
A place to reflect on the past year and note intentions
Quantity: 1 per person
Pen
Comfortable pen for longer writing
Quantity: 1 per person
Candle (Optional)
A small ritual object to mark the transition
Quantity: 1

Welcome to New Year Intention-Setting

Instead of resolutions, this kit invites you to pause, look back, and set a few soft intentions for the year ahead—things you want to move toward, not force.

Before You Begin

Best around the turn of the year, but you can use this at any transition
Works solo or with a small group
Choose a quiet time when you won’t be rushed

Flow of the Gathering

1. Looking Back (20–30 minutes)

Write a few prompts at the top of your page:
- “What felt meaningful this year?”
- “What did I learn the hard way?”
- “What surprised me?”
Let yourself list moments, people, and small details

2. Letting Go (10–15 minutes)

Note a few things you’d like to release or carry more lightly
You can write them on a separate page and tear it up afterward if you’d like

3. Looking Forward (20–30 minutes)

Write a few intentions rather than goals: “I want to make more room for…”
Focus on how you want to feel, not just what you want to achieve
Choose 1–3 gentle practices to support these intentions

Variations & Ideas

Quarterly check-in: Repeat a shorter version every few months.
Group circle: Invite friends to share one thing they’re grateful for and one intention.
Visual version: Turn intentions into a simple collage or vision board.