As 2024 comes to an end, we find ourselves standing at the doorway to a new chapter—a fresh year filled with opportunities, unknowns, and possibilities. Whether this year brought big changes, challenges, peace, or growth, it’s important to pause, reflect, and set intentions for what lies ahead.
This end of the year full moon ritual is a simple yet powerful practice that anyone can do. I don't want this to come off woo-woo, it isn't necessarily religious or spiritual, unless you want it to be. It’s a way to honor the past year, releasing thoughts and feelings so you can move forward and invite new energy into your life, while connecting with yourself or finding meaningful connection with those closest to you. Whether you’re expecting a baby, parenting an infant, or guiding older children, this ritual can be tailored to fit your life.
In this post you will learn:
Why an end-of-year practice is so meaningful
How to create your practice
A practice for every stage of life:
Links to tailored posts on how to adapt this practice for different life stages—from transitioning into parenthood, to having a fun, meaningful bonding night with friends, each with individualized printable prompts.
Why an end-of-year practice is so meaningful
Taking a moment to reflect on the past year isn’t about dwelling on the hard parts or chasing perfection. Instead, it’s about honoring where you’ve been and helping clarify what you hope for in the future. This simple act can help you find focus, peace, and direction as you move forward.
If you’re pregnant or recently became a parent, this ritual can help you ground yourself amidst life’s whirlwind changes. For parents of older kids, sharing this practice can open up meaningful dialogue and create a special moment of connection as a family.
And if you’re doing this alone, with a partner, or with friends it’s a wonderful way to reset together or find clarity for yourself.
Reflection Brings Clarity Taking time to reflect on the past year helps you understand what worked, what didn’t, and where you want to go next. It creates self-awareness and clarity for the year ahead.
Releasing Clears the Mental Clutter Letting go of past hurt, negative thoughts, or anything that no longer serves you lightens your mental load and opens space for growth and healing.
Setting Intentions Guides Your Path Intentions are about aligning with your values and desires, guiding your choices with purpose and focus throughout the year.
Mental Health Benefits Reflection, release, and setting intentions help reduce stress and promote mindfulness, leading to emotional relief and a positive mindset.
Strengthening Relationships This practice fosters deeper connections, opens lines of communication, and strengthens bonds between loved ones.
Overall Well-Being By focusing on your mental, emotional, and physical health, this practice helps create balance and set the stage for a fulfilling
Why The Full Moon is a Great Time for This Practice
The full moon represents completion, release, and reflection. It's a powerful time for looking back on the year, but if you can't align with the full moon, don’t worry—this practice is effective any time at the end of the year. It’s simply a moment to stop, reflect, and set intentions for the future. The full moon adds a special energy that can enhance the clarity and release part of the ritual, but the practice remains beneficial on its own whenever you need it most.
How to Create Your Practice
Here’s how you can make this practice your own. Whether you’re flying solo, gathering with friends, or involving your kids, the steps are easy to adapt:
Set the Space
Find a quiet, comfortable spot where you won’t be interrupted. Create a calming atmosphere. This is your moment to pause and be present.
Bring a pen or pencil and our printable worksheets or a notebook.
Light a white candle for cleansing and purity.
Set out crystals if desired:
Clear Quartz: Amplifies intentions and brings clarity.
Amethyst: Supports emotional healing and calm energy.
Moonstone: Perfect for full moon energy; symbolizes new beginnings.
Black Tourmaline: Helps with letting go and protecting against negativity.
Rose Quartz: Encourages self-love and positivity.
Reflect on the past year
Take 5 deep cleansing breaths.
Either alone or as a group, reflect on how the past year was for you—what went well, what was difficult, and how it’s shaped where you are now.
Release Through Writing
Using our printable worksheets for whatever stage of life you are in, or a simple notebook and pen or pencil.
Write down things you want to let go of from the year—feelings, habits, fears, or disappointments.
Shred or safely burn these pieces of paper outside in a safe space. Discuss the things you are releasing, if you want, and/or discuss how the smoke carries these things away, making room for new energy.
Set Intentions for the New Year
Using our printable worksheets for whatever stage of life you are in or on a fresh piece of paper, write down your goals, dreams, or things you want to invite into your lives for the new year.
Optional: Fold the papers and place them under one of the crystals (like clear quartz or moonstone) to "charge" them with positive energy.
Put these papers in safe place to review at the end of the year.
Gratitude Practice
Take a moment to each name three things you’re grateful for from 2024.
You could also create a small gratitude jar to add to throughout 2025.
End with a Blessing
As you close this practice, take a moment to hold hands with your partner, fellow parents (if you're doing this together) or just place your hands over your heart. Offer a simple affirmation or blessing, grounding your intentions for the year ahead. Here are some suggestions:
"We let go of what weighs us down and embrace what lifts us up."
"With open hearts, we release the past and step into a future filled with love, peace, and purpose."
"We leave behind what no longer serves us and make space for joy, gratitude, and connection."
A Practice for Any Stage of Life
This practice is flexible and can fit your life no matter what stage you’re in. Follow the links below to tailored versions of this practice that include individualized printables to guide your reflection and intentions.
Pregnant Parents*: If you are expecting a baby in 2025, reflect on the changes and emotions of preparing for a baby and set intentions for the parent you want to be.
New Parents*: For parents who have given birth in 2024. Ground yourself amidst the changes of life with a newborn and focus on your hopes for your family in the new year.
Parents with Older Kids: If your kids are old enough to participate in the dialogue, share the practice with your children to foster connection, teach them about reflection, and set shared family goals.
*These can be done with a partner or solo. You can also make it a special night to be vulnerable and have fun with friends. Invite over friends to come in their comfiest clothes, with a festive snack and a pen and notebook.
Printable Worksheets to Guide You
To make this practice even easier, I’ve created printable worksheets you can use:
Releasing Thoughts: Write or draw what you’re ready to let go of.
Setting Intentions: Plan your hopes and goals for 2025.
Download them at each sub-post and print as many copies as you need—for yourself, your kids, or even your friends!
A New Year, A New Chapter
2025 is just around the corner, ready to bring new challenges, surprises, and joys. Whether you’re welcoming a baby, navigating life as a parent, or simply focusing on yourself, this practice is a way to step into the new year with clarity and intention.
So, light a candle, take a deep breath, and give yourself this gift of reflection and connection. It’s a practice that can carry you forward, no matter what the next chapter holds.