Ten Things To Do This Year

Eliza Clark
January 2, 2013

One of the best things about the start of 2013 is getting to put up a new calendar. The old one is filled to the brim with events, meetings, play dates, date nights, travel plans, birthday parties, and reminders of all kinds. It was a full year.

The new calendar though... the new one is blissfully blank. There's nothing on it yet, and all that empty space gives us room to dream a bit, and even set a few goals for the year.

The goals we have in mind are family goals—things we'd like to do together. We're not sure we'll get to all of them, but it makes us happy just to think about trying.

1. Spend time at the beach. This is always on our list, every year. It's just the best.
2. Go ice-skating, sledding and/or skiing. We have so much fun in the snow with the kids.
3. Volunteer for a project at school. It always feels like too much, and it's always satisfying nonetheless.
4. Get to know a new person and make a new friend. This is a hope for both parents and kids.  
5. Visit or get back in touch with a few old friends. Also something our whole family is looking forward to.
6. Keep a family journal. This is an experiment I want to try with the kids while they are still little: we'll each write (or dictate) a sentence or draw a picture about the day. Ambitious?  Maybe, but worth an attempt.
7. Help the kids run a lemonade stand. They've been wanting to do this for years—it's time.
8. Go away for a grown ups-only weekend. Otherwise known as a mental health break.
9. Pick a city or country or historical event, and learn as much as you can about it. We've picked the Titanic and are very excited to visit the traveling museum exhibit.
10. Find a new thing to learn—either as a family or each individual. This year, my kids want to learn archery and chemistry. What should I choose?

Welcome to the new year. Dream big!