Weekly Wrap-Up: Transformations, Reflections, and New Year Inspiration
Sharing this week’s bookish highlights, post Christmas reflections, and preparing for a fulfilling 2025.
The Weekly Wrap-Up: A cozy Sunday roundup of everything I’ve been creating, sharing, and loving this week, plus a preview of what’s coming next.
Post-Holiday Reflections, New Year Prep, and What’s Coming Next✨
Hi Bookish Besties!
The days between Christmas and New Year’s are some of my favorites. They’re quieter, cozier, and perfect for reflecting on the year past and setting intentions for the year ahead. As I wind down after a busy holiday season, I’ve been thinking a lot about what this time of year means—not just as a reader but as someone navigating life’s many moving pieces.
This week’s wrap-up includes highlights from the week, reflections on the post-holiday season, practical tips for aligning your goals, and a preview of what’s coming next. I hope it inspires you to take a moment to slow down and savor this in-between time.
Reflections on Post-Holiday Relaxation
I love the days between Christmas and New Year’s. They’re usually very quiet, and I get most of the days off work. This year, I’ve been using all my free time to work on my dream library transformation.
The days have been long, and while the house looks like a complete mess right now, I’m holding onto my friend Jacquelyn’s wise words that she texted me: It’s going to look like a huge mess, but then it will look nice.
Amid the chaos, I’ve found ways to unwind. Each evening, I curl up with a good book, sip tea by the Christmas tree, and let the glow of the lights melt away the stress. I’ve also been doing mini Christmas-themed puzzles, journaling, and dreaming about what 2025 will bring. These small rituals are grounding me in the midst of this busy season.
What are you doing to relax and recharge?
Sharing How I’m Reflecting On The Past Year
As I’ve been taking stock of my year, these are the things that have stood out in my journals:
Sitting with Disappointments: I’ve made time to mourn what didn’t work out this year. I acknowledged them and allowed myself to feel the emotions tied to them without judgment. I’ve lived enough life to know growth often comes from disappointment and failure, so I’ve embraced it as part of my journey.
Celebrating Small Wins: I find myself focusing on everything I’ve accomplished, even if it wasn’t on my original goal list at the start of the year. I’m also prioritizing reflecting on the moments that brought me joy and fulfillment.
Finding My Anchors: I’ve been thinking a lot about the aspects of my life—relationships, hobbies, habits, work—that keep me steady and grounded. Then, I start thinking about how to nurture these in the year ahead.
Set New Goals with Flexibility: Life is unpredictable, so I create goals that align with my priorities but always allow room for adjustments as needed.
If any of these resonate with you, please feel free to use them to help you reflect meaningfully and set realistic goals.
This Week’s Highlights
Best Books of 2024: I shared my comprehensive guide featuring the year’s best books across all genres. Whether you’re into fiction, nonfiction, or personal favorites, there’s something for everyone:
BiblioLifestyle’s Best Books of 2024 (this list is the roundup by genre)
Christmas Traditions and Library Transformation: On Christmas Eve, I shared a personal essay reflecting on holiday traditions and the progress of my dream library transformation. Photos, color swatches, and updates await you! (P.S. The desk laminate color is changing—more on that Tuesday!) Read it here.
2024 Reading Reflections and 2025 Goals: I looked back on my favorite books of 2024, shared my 2025 reading plans, and included resources to help you set your own goals. Check it out here.
Coming This Tuesday: The Journal
Get ready for Tuesday’s Journal entry: “Aligning Life for a Bookish New Year: How I Set Goals for 2025”. I’ll discuss in more detail how I balance my personal reading aspirations with content-creation goals, professional and career goals, and family and friendships, emphasizing harmony and interconnectedness between them all.
I’ll also properly announce our annual Reading Goals & Vision Board Workshop, happening January 17th at 6 PM ET. I’ll provide instructions, supplies lists, alternatives like a bingo card vision board, and more details. But in the meantime, mark your calendars!
Happy New Year Wishes
As the weekend winds down and we prepare to step into 2025, I hope you find moments to reflect, recharge, and dream big. Thank you for being part of this wonderful community—it’s been a joy to share this journey with you.
Here’s to a New Year filled with connection, inspiration, and plenty of bookish joy!
Until next time,
Victoria
