A Time to Celebrate You

If you've been reading my newsletter thoughts for any significant amount of time, you may already know that I'm not a fan of new year's resolutions. For heavens' sake, isn't January challenging enough without turning your world on its ear? Why, when the days are short and the nights are long and deep (at least in my part of the Northern Hemisphere), would anyone intentionaly increase their level of difficulty? Who decided that making a judge-y list of the areas in which we've fallen short over the past twelve months is a good idea?

What if, instead, we created lists of the good stuff? I hear you thinking that you didn't accomplish anything worth listing...my brain wandered off in that direction, too. But I'm not talking about Nobel Prize-level stuff. What about the times you did a thing, even though it was scary? The times you showed up, when part of you wanted to go home and put on your jammies? And don't forget the times when you spoke up for someone who needed support or spent time with someone who needed a good listener. I'd suggest finishing by recalling the times you quietly did something kind---for yourself or someone else.

These, my friend, are the things that make you a treasure. The things that make 2025 worth remembering. The things worthy of keeping in your wallet...or taping on your bathroom mirror...or tucking into your journal...to remind you of your value to the rest of us. ❤

As for 2026, you're on a roll. Keep up the good, solid work you're already doing. 

And, if it feels right, give yourself permission to begin a lovely, new project. A celebratory something just for you. Something to bring texture and warmth to the upcoming days. Maybe even a sweater...

We're almost to the launch date for Yarnology's 2026 Sweater Challenge. If you could use a gentle kick in the pants to get you knitting or crocheting in the new year, this is just the ticket. The sweater can be as simple or complex as you wish, the yarn can be new or from your stash---the whole idea is to create a culture of mid-winter sweater creation in easy, open-handed community. There are few rules, and all are welcome. You need not live near the shop---we often have Challenge participants from afar. They keep in touch via email and our Sweater Challenge Ravelry Group. 

You may cast on at any time after the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2026. (Swatching beforehand is both allowed and encouraged.)

Click here to sign up. You'll be directed to add Sweater Challenge 2026 to your cart and check out. Then, pop over to your email, where you'll have a welcoming note and the link to the Challenge Ravelry Group. Reply to the thread and tell us about your sweater plans!

In the spirit of taking care of our hearts and souls as we step gingerly into this new year, consider joining a group that beckons to you. It may be a book group at the library. It may be a bunch of like-minded folk who sing together or write notes of thanks every month. It may even be a group of warm-hearted knitters and crocheters making all sorts of sweaters. Whatever gathering calls to you, you'll be in good company. And that's a resolution I can recommend wholeheartedly.

Warmly,

Gaby