The arrival of a new baby is a fundamental shift in your life, there is not a single space that it does not touch. As you look back on the whirlwind of 2024, it’s easy to feel as though the year has been a blur of sleepless nights, baby cuddles, and new routines. But as the year draws to a close, the full moon offers a unique opportunity for reflection, letting go, and setting intentions for the journey ahead.
This end-of-year full moon practice can be a powerful way for you, as a new parent, to ground yourself, reflect on your experiences, and create space for what you hope to invite into your family’s life in the new year. Whether you’re navigating the early days of parenthood or looking back on a big year of growth and change, this practice will help you center your thoughts and intentions as you embark on this new chapter.
This practice can be done independently or together with a partner.
If you're curious about more details of the benefits of end-of-year full moon practices, be sure to check out our main post here for an in-depth guide. We also offer tailored versions of this practice, including one for expectant parents and another for families with children who are old enough to engage in the dialogue. Each version comes with custom printable worksheets to guide your practice.
The Power of Reflecting and Setting Intentions
Parenthood brings beautiful moments, but it also requires deep adjustment, and it can be easy to feel like your identity is shifting in ways that feel out of control. The full moon practice gives you the chance to honor your experiences, reflect on the growth you’ve made, and embrace the road ahead.
This practice allows you to reflect on how far you’ve come as a parent this year, as well as any challenges you’ve faced along the way. Parenting a newborn is hard, and it’s easy to get lost in the day-to-day demands. By taking a moment to reflect on the highs and lows, you allow yourself to honor your experiences and growth.
Setting intentions for the new year is a beautiful way to consciously plan for the future. What do you hope for your baby? What goals do you have for your relationship with your partner, your family, or yourself? What’s something you want to work on to help you stay grounded and present as your child grows? These are the moments that can set the tone for the year ahead, creating a sense of purpose and connection.
How This Practice Can Build Connection
This practice can be done individually, with your partner, or even with a group of other new parents. If you choose to reflect alone, it offers a personal moment to ground yourself and connect with your own vision for the future. However, engaging in this practice together with your partner can deepen your connection as you both set shared intentions and goals for your family. Parenthood is a journey you’re on together, and using this time to openly communicate about your hopes for your family will strengthen the bond between you, setting a solid foundation for your little one’s future.
Even though your baby may be too young to understand, this practice creates a moment of family bonding. By sharing and setting intentions together, you’re laying a strong, loving foundation that will support your growing family. You’re also teaching your child the importance of reflection, gratitude, and goal-setting—lessons that will stay with them as they grow. Whether as a couple or with fellow parents, this practice is a powerful way to nurture both your family’s emotional connection and your personal growth.
How to Create Your Practice
For a comprehensive guide to crafting a full moon practice, see our main post. As a new parent, you deserve to take time for yourself and your family. Here’s how you can practice the full moon process for reflection and intention-setting:
Set the Mood: Create a calm and cozy atmosphere. Light a candle, put on some gentle music, and settle in with your partner and your baby. This is a time to be present, slow down, and reflect. Make sure to grab something to write with and our printables or a notebook.
Reflect on the Past Year: Take a moment to reflect on your experiences as new parents. What were the most challenging moments, and what were the moments of pure joy? Acknowledge both the hard and the happy.
For You: Write or draw what you are ready to release from the past year. Use our printable worksheets as a guide. It could be exhaustion, uncertainty, or anything that’s been weighing on your heart.
For Your Partner: Share your reflections with each other. This isn’t just about you—it’s about recognizing each other’s experiences as parents and strengthening your bond.
Shred or safely burn these pieces of paper outside in a safe space. Reflect on or discuss the things you are releasing and think about how the smoke carries these things away, making room for new energy.
Set Intentions for the New Year: Now that you’ve made space, focus on what you hope to bring into the new year. What do you want to focus on as a parent, a couple, or as a family?
For You: Write down what you’re excited about in the coming year. What are your goals? Is it to find balance, self-care, or build your support system?
For Your Family: Write down what you hope to see for your family in 2025. What kind of memories do you want to create? How do you want to grow together?
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:
"I/We welcome peace, love, and growth into our family as I/we embrace the new year with open hearts."
"May our family continue to grow in love, strength, and connection as we journey through the challenges and joys of parenthood."
"With gratitude for all we’ve learned and hope for all that’s to come, we step into the new year, united in love and purpose."
Feel free to adapt these or create your own to resonate with your family's unique journey.
Keep It Going: Consider making this practice a yearly tradition. It’s a beautiful way to reflect and set goals together as a family, year after year. You can revisit your intentions in six months or even sooner to see how things are unfolding.
Printable Worksheets to Guide You
To make this process even easier, I’ve created printable worksheets for you to use as you reflect and set your intentions. The worksheets guide you through releasing what no longer serves you and setting positive, empowering goals for 2025. Download them below, print as many as you need, and enjoy the process!
Releasing Thoughts: Write or draw what you’re ready to let go of.
Setting Intentions: Plan your hopes and goals for 2025.
Closing Thoughts
2024 was a momentous year for you, bringing in a new life to your family. By taking a moment to ground yourself amidst the changes, you’re preparing yourself and your family for a year filled with love, growth, and new beginnings. This full moon practice is not just about letting go and setting goals—it’s about aligning your heart, your family, and your intentions for a brighter future together.
Take a deep breath, light a candle, and let the full moon guide you into the new year with peace, clarity, and hope.
PDF Printables
Releasing Thoughts:
Setting Intentions: