Welcome to my weekly post to share a few of the best posts from around the web, plus a few highlights from family life. I’m keeping this short and sweet so I can get back to hanging out with my crew, but I wanted to share a few favorite posts to give you food for thought as you greet the new year.

“Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us.” ~ Hal Borland

from around the web:

• Fear is not a good reason to keep old junk :: Don’t let stuff hold you back.
• 9 ideas to let go of to be happier at home next year :: Home should be a welcoming place to recharge, but many of us let our hang-ups get in the way of enjoying our homes.
• Expectation vs. Reality: Letting go of your life plan :: “Growth happens when life doesn’t go according to plan.”
• Inspire-not-require for the homeschool parent :: In a homeschool slump, or just doing a bit of reevaluating (as I am) as the calendar year comes to a close? Then you need inspiration.
• New Year’s Eve party games :: If you’re actually staying up to ring in the new year, you’ll need something to do; most of these ideas would work whether you’re hosting a party or just hanging with the kids at home.

from right here at home:

We had a lovely, low-key Christmas. No extravagance of gifts but that’s how we like it. Although I’m really not a “gifts” person, I loved the homemade gifts from my kids. Best of all, we’ve had an abundance of family time, and I’m particularly happy Ken will still be off work all next week.

Enjoy your weekend, and have a safe and happy celebration of the new year!

{Be on the lookout for my upcoming reader survey; I hope you’ll participate so I can bring even better content to you in the coming year!}

Jamie

Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »