Welcoming the New Year
As we say goodbye to 2023…
Remember, reflection is a valuable practice for personal growth and understanding. Take the time to appreciate your achievements, learn from challenges, and set intentions for the future based on your experiences in 2023. As you look back on the year, consider the following questions:
- What were some of your most significant achievements or accomplishments in 2023?
- What challenges did you face, and how did you grow as a result?
- How have your relationships evolved throughout the year?
- What recurring themes or specific moments brought you a sense of gratitude and joy?
- What new skills or knowledge have you acquired in 2023?
- How well did you prioritize self-care?
- What were some of the most joyful moments or experiences you had during the year?
- How did you contribute to the well-being of others, whether through acts of kindness, support, or generosity?
- In what ways did you demonstrate adaptability in the face of change?
- What lessons from 2023 can you carry forward into the coming year?
Reflection is an ongoing process, and the insights gained should be actively integrated into your life for meaningful change and growth. Whether it’s in personal development, relationships, or professional endeavors, the value of reflection lies in its ability to inform and guide your path forward.
Holiday Resources
We are so grateful to live in a community that has so many options for families in need. Those who need assistance with food, clothing, shelter, and holiday gifts can turn to a number of local resources.
Here are a few local resources that Whatcom and Skagit County have to offer:
- Bellingham Food Bank, Helping Hands Food Bank, Ferndale Food Bank, Project Hope – These programs are available for anyone in need of food all year round. They do a great job of posting their availability for families to arrive safely and get groceries.
- Lighthouse Mission Base Camp and the Skagit Valley Friendship House – For those in need of shelter, these nonprofits have provided meals and a place to stay to hundreds of families a week. The Ground Floor through Northwest Youth Services for youth under the age of 24 experiencing homelessness.
- Lydia Place – Lydia Place has an Emergency Stays program to get women and young children into a safe shelter overnight.
- Bellingham Toys for Tots – This program provides toys to be given as holiday gifts for children 0-18 years old for families with an established need.
Check out these donation programs:
- Salvation Army Angel Tree Program – Shop a registry to purchase gifts for children in need this holiday season. Purchase and direct ship to your local Salvation Army location, or source the items yourself and leave at your local drop off.
- Bellingham Toys for Tots – Donate toys to any of the specified drop sites or contribute funds to the program directly. New and unwrapped toys will be distributed to families in need.
- United Way of Whatcom County – When you give to United Way, 100% of your donation stays local, supporting 25 local nonprofit agencies that are helping to meet basic needs, promote economic mobility, and break the cycle of poverty in our community.
Managing Holiday Stress
The holidays can be associated with feelings of excitement and joy, although for others, it is a time of worry and stress. By taking steps to be emotionally and mentally ready for the holiday season, the following article may be helpful.
7 Tips for Managing Holiday Stress
Books that Celebrate Holidays and Traditions
As the holiday season approaches, explore the diverse set of customs and traditions of other cultures. Check out the following books with your child. Explore the website further for the best books recommended for all ages!
Books that Celebrate Diverse Holidays and Traditions
December Key Dates
- December 7 is National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
- December 7 is the beginning of Hanukkah.
- December 18-Jan. 1 is Winter Break, all schools are closed. School resumes Jan. 2.
- December 21 is the Winter Solstice—the astronomical first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and first day of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Fun Fact: If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you’ll see the least amount of daylight during December. Winter Solstice in December is the year’s shortest day in terms of daylight hours.
- December 25 is Christmas Day.
- December 26 is Boxing Day (Canada, UK)
- December 26 is the first day of Kwanzaa.
- December 31 is New Years Eve. Welcome 2024!
WWU Counseling Training Clinic
We offer a valuable service to individuals with counseling needs in the Bellingham area. There is no fee for any of the counseling sessions and insurance is not required. Counseling graduate students provide individual counseling for adults, adolescents, and children, closely supervised by faculty of the Psychology Department, January through June 2024.
Address: 188 E College Way, Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 650.3184