Somehow, with this 53rd Top Comments diary of 2025 (plus two other non-Top Comments) pieces, we’ve arrived at the last Monday of the year. In just over 48 hours Casa Brillig will be eagerly awaiting the moment when we can kick 2025 to the curb and once again hope for a better in all ways New Year.
Out of curiosity I googled the phrase “that week between Christmas and New Years” and got a staggering number of hits. I’d never heard it called Twixmas (twixt Christmas and New Year) before, but the portmanteau makes perfect sense. For many Christians, this period is part of the Twelve Days of Christmas, that Dec 25-Jan 6 period between Jesus’ birth and Epiphany. There are lots of other descriptive titles for this week, but for almost everyone, it can be summed up as “this weird week where time has no meaning, we probably don’t need to wear hard pants, and we graze more than we eat regular meals”
This year is a bit different than every similar week since 1998. Our eldest, K1, is very definitely comfortable in her own adult life, and this week is a mix of needed rest before she reports back to work as a school counselor, time with her partner (who works at the same school but does NOT have the week off), and spending time with friends and family. K2, a college sophomore, went back to his off-campus apartment the day after Christmas for a recent job opportunity and because he’s 20 and it’s way more fun to be on your own. So Mr. Brillig and are, well… empty nesters on our own! We’re both getting necessary things done… he’s getting some code written for work and I’m wrapping up our end of year charitable giving and other bureaucratic things. However, we’re also sleeping in a bit and relaxing, and have an exciting New Year’s Eve planned on the couch!!
I’ve mentioned many times before that I no longer do New Year’s Resolutions, because they always feel made to fail. I do, however, set Intentions. Intentions feel less black & white, pass/fail and more “I’m going to do my best to do these things, but will give myself grace and not beat myself up if I fall short.”
What are those Intentions for 2026? They include:
- Rejoining a fitness center for the first time in years. 2025 was a dumpster fire in many ways, but my own personal blaze was a combination of a worsening of my back issues with a side dose of osteopenia (the step before osteoporosis). I need some fitness coaching to get me started on the path to better core strength and effective weight-bearing exercise.
- Step up my home mindfulness/yoga practice. I began in-person yoga classes this past year after two years away and it really makes a difference in how I feel both physically and mentally.
- Focus on downsizing the accumulation of Stuff that happens when you don’t move where you live for 32 years. To that end, I’m taking part in an eleven week Organizing Challenge! She’s a personal friend and excellent at this, and I’m looking forward both to her expertise and the shared supportive experience with dozens of others on the same quest. (If this sounds good to you, registration closes January 4th :)).
- Try more new recipes. One of the truths of Adulting is no one, no one at all, tells you that you’ll be expected to come up with ideas for dinner and not get bored for DECADES. Mr. Brillig gifted me a new cookbook and I intend to make a new recipe every week!
I’m sure there’s more, but this is the core. You’ll notice it’s not a list of political activism goals. I’ll continue what I’m doing, and step it up as needed, but for me New Year’s Intentions need to be personal. If that makes sense.
How’s your year winding down? Does this week feel weird to you too? Do you set intentions, or make resolutions, or just hope 2026 kicks 2025’s ass to the curb and begins the process of setting things right?! Come pull up a chair, grab a glass of leftover eggnog or whatever you’re drinking, and let us know in the comments!
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TOP COMMENTS
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Twas all quiet in the Top Comments mailboxes.
TOP MOJO
Top Mojo for yesterday (Sunday), December 28th 2025, first comments and tip jars excluded. Thank you mik for the mojo magic! For those of you interested in How Top Mojo Works, please see his diary on FAQing Top Mojo.
