Starting the New Year as a Christian Mother of Two

Turning the Page Into a New Year

The beginning of the year always feels like turning the page and starting fresh. I love entering the new year and imagining one chapter closing and a new one opening.

There’s something grounding about thinking of a year as 365 pages. Every one of us has a personal story. Those 365 pages hold our unique memories, growth experiences, challenges, and joys. Keep reading to hear some of my personal thoughts about 2026 and stay to the end to find reflection questions for your own new year.

A New Year of Marriage and Ministry

The start of the year is especially dear to me because my husband and I were married on New Year’s Eve. Every January 1st is day one of our next year of marriage. I get excited, imagining how the Lord will lead us through our next chapter.

My husband and I are reflecting together on our personal hopes and prayers for 2026. He is the minister at our local church, so much of our reflection centers around our church family—how we can serve better and contribute more faithfully in the year ahead.

Our Family Rhythms in a New Season

We also spend time thinking about our own family rhythms, our lifestyle, and what we hope the next year will look like for our family unit.

The beginning of this year feels especially significant because it’s our first January as a family of four. We welcomed our daughter about a month ago, and she fits right in with our busy toddler boy. Life feels full and new as we adjust to going from one child to two.

In some ways, starting this year with two littles feels challenging because it’s unlike anything we’ve experienced before. But it’s also filled with anticipation. We’re raising our first girl, watching our family grow, and stepping into a new season.

Looking Ahead With Anticipation

We also have much to look forward to this year: a family vacation this spring, time back in our home states, and several weddings in our extended family. Celebrating milestones together feels especially meaningful in a season like this.

January as a Month of Reflection

January has always been a natural month of reflection for me. I’m a goal-oriented and introspective person, and I tend to take inventory of a few key areas of life each year—my spiritual life, my marriage, our family, our house, and our church community, to name a few. I reflect on what’s working, what needs to change, and where I want to grow.

Living in Missouri has deepened that rhythm. January is often cold and snowy, slower and quieter after the busyness of the holidays. The bare trees, the bright winter light, and the stillness invite me to hole up in home, declutter my spaces and my mind, and reflect.

A Gentle Encouragement for Winter

I know winter can be difficult for many, especially those who struggle with seasonal depression. If that’s you, I gently encourage you to find small ways to redirect your focus—through creativity, time in Scripture, or intentional reflection.

Reflection Questions

Below you’ll find a couple questions to assist with your reflection:

• What did I enjoy about the past year?
• Where did I grow last year and how do I need to grow this year?
• What am I hopeful for this year?
• How can I enjoy the season I’m in right now, even if it feels unideal?

One Page at a Time

My hope is that we each meet this year with intention and trust—one of those 365 pages at a time. I would love to hear in the comments what your favorite part of 2025 was and what you’re looking forward to in 2026. If you would like to stay personally connected with me, click here to join my email newsletter so we can communicate, sister to sister.