Starting the Year Nourished, Not Perfect

New Year’s Day has always felt a little magical to me.

It’s quiet. Hopeful. Full of possibility. There’s something so special about waking up to a fresh calendar, a clean slate, and a whole year ahead of you. But instead of making it about pressure, resolutions, or doing everything “right,” we choose to make it about connection.

Because for us, New Year’s Day is about being together.

It’s one of the very last days of the holiday season when everyone is home, cozy, and slow. And I don’t want to miss that by stressing over plans, meals, or expectations.

So here’s how we keep New Year’s Day simple, fun, and budget-friendly—while still making it feel special.

Start the Day With Movement (But Make It Fun)

One of our favorite traditions is starting the year with movement.

Not as punishment.Not as a resolution.Not as a “new year, new me” thing.

Just movement for joy.

If the weather allows, we try to do something outdoors—something that gets us moving, laughing, and breathing fresh air.

Some of our favorites:

• A family walk or hike

• Disc golf

• Mini golf

• Bowling

• Playing catch or soccer

• Bike rides

• A trip to the park

The goal isn’t burning calories. It’s making memories.

It wakes everyone up, resets our energy, and reminds us that movement can be fun—not something we dread.

And honestly? Starting the year laughing together feels way better than starting it with pressure.

Football, Food & Cozy Vibes

New Year’s Day also means lots of great football—and around here, football = comfort food.

But comfort food doesn’t have to mean complicated.

One of my biggest hacks is throwing a crockpot meal together first thing in the morning. It instantly takes pressure off the rest of the day.

Some of our go-to crockpot ideas:

• Chili

• Pot roast

• Chicken tacos

• BBQ chicken

• Meatballs

Low prep. Big payoff.

And don’t forget the mini crockpot for your favorite dips.

Our favorites:

• Buffalo chicken dip

• Sausage, cream cheese, and Rotel dip

These feel festive, cozy, and special—but require almost zero effort.

Keep Lunch Simple (Really Simple)

This is not the day for elaborate cooking.

If you’ve got dinner going in the crockpot, give yourself permission to keep lunch easy.

Some ideas:

• Order pizza

• Make frozen pizzas

• Do homemade mini pizzas with the kids

• Sandwiches and chips

• Leftovers

The goal is not impressing anyone.

The goal is being present.

Why Simple Days Matter

There was a time when I thought every holiday moment needed to be “special” to be meaningful.

Now I know: Simple is special.

The laughter. The shared snacks. The cozy blankets. The board games. The football in the background. The kids playing on the floor.

That’s the stuff that sticks.

That’s what they’ll remember.

One of the Last Slow Days of the Season

New Year’s Day is one of the last true slow days before life picks back up.

Schedules return. School starts. Work ramps up. Routines kick back in.

And because of that, I try to soak it up.

We don’t rush. We don’t over-plan. We don’t overschedule.

We just… be.

A Gentle Reminder for the New Year

You don’t need a perfect plan.You don’t need a color-coded vision board.You don’t need a strict routine starting tomorrow.

You can start small.

With laughter.With presence.With movement that feels good.With food that feels comforting. With moments that feel warm.

Let’s start the year nourished, not perfect.

Full hearts. Full bellies. And lots of grace.