How I Get Ready for the New Year

some inspo for the new year...

The New Year is something I, weirdly, take very seriously. I know a bunch of people do but if you know me, I'm not super aggressive about holidays and I don't put a ton of beliefs into things like that. However, I like the idea of re-starting each January 1st. It's the one time of year I take things and put them into perspective. I have a few things that I have to do before 12am hits on the 31st and I thought I would share those with you.  Is there anything you find necessary before starting the new year off right? - xoxo darling, Hayden

#1: Take down all holiday decorations.

"But they're so pretty!" Yes, holiday decorations are beautiful and I love looking at lights. It's one of my all-time favorite things about the season but I hate going into the new year with them still up. In fact, I take my down on the 26th because I feel that the holiday has passed and it's time to move on. Put 'em away and get 'em out next year, am I right? I don't want to go into the next year with last year's decorations...feels wrong. 

#2: Find new desktop & phone wallpaper.

Kind of random, but I spend way too much time scouring the internet for a new desktop wallpaper and iPhone screen background {this site is my favorite}. I change them immediately at midnight just for a fresh start. There's something about changing them out and seeing that physical change that really gives the impression of a fresh start. Although I will say, this year I really love my desktop background so it's going to be hard to say goodbye. 

#3: Clean off desktop & clear out phone. 

I think this one makes sense to everyone. Clutter is a big no-no for me going into the new year. Who wants to have a messy computer screen or phone? It's so much easier to just clear it all out, sort it into folders and delete all those old images/videos and unnecessary apps. 

#4: Write down my resolutions and reflect on my old list.

This is something I write about on the blog every year (see ). I like to review and reflect on my resolutions from the previous year at the end while writing my new resolutions. I always try to make my resolutions fairly broad...and they're never about fitness. I don't believe in trying to make goals that we all know we won't keep. It's better to do something attainable.  

#5: Clean everything. 

This is a newer goal of mine...but as I get older I understand the niceness of a clean house and car. I've always lived by the idea of cleaning before you go on a trip/vacation so this year this is working for both occasions as I leave for New Orleans on the 30th. I plan on putting everything away in my room, sorting through all my paperwork, vacuuming and cleaning my bathroom. I'll also vacuum my car and give it a wash, that way when I arrive on Wednesday, fully in 2019, I'll be ready.