It’s been a while since the last time we had a coffee together, but it’s the very first Christmas for Danae Thinks That and I felt the need to acknowledge it. What are you having today – on Christmas Eve? Well, it’s only 4 pm here, so I’m just having a regular cappuccino. It’s tasty and hopefully, it’ll help me stay alert enough for the rest of my day.
So, I’ve been posting on Danae Thinks That for six months, and it’s my favorite writing space at the moment. It feels cozy and comfortable, and I just can be myself writing about everything that I find interesting, helpful, and soothing. The website’s growth is slow, but the connection I steadily get to build with my readers is the biggest reward.
Reflecting on 2025
2025 was definitely a weird year – but otherwise I don’t have any strong feelings regarding it. It didn’t feel too bad or too good, just mediocre. To be completely honest, my mental health got worse over the year – and probably, that’s the biggest downside of 2025. I’ve been struggling with anxiety for a while again now, and I’m still figuring out practices, routines, and habits that make me feel better and calmer. I was stuck in the worst job of my life for the first six months of the year, and it’s probably the reason my anxiety came back full force. Don’t get me wrong: It feels amazing that I’ve been out of that job position for a while now, but I’m still recovering.
On the other hand, there have been many blessings this year, and I don’t want to be ungrateful. I’m in the best romantic relationship of my life, I’m closer to my friends than ever, I traveled to a new country, and -somehow- I achieved 11 of my yearly goals – that’s the most I’ve accomplished in years! So, 2025 had many positive aspects, quite a few good things happened, and I’m grateful for them.
It’s just that anxiety is the thief of joy. Once I get again in control of my thoughts and feelings, I’ll start feeling better.
Btw, It’s okay to be sad at christmas
I’m not really sad this Christmas. I’m just somewhat indifferent and I don’t feel the hype. Well, things are weird in my country at the time and this year, my town feels poor, half-empty, and without its usual festive sparkle. This is definitely affecting me. Otherwise, most people around me are actually sad right now or they don’t care about celebrating, so this doesn’t help either.
I got to realize that I’m typically the person who celebrates, who plans things, who makes gifts – who takes the initiative when it comes to festivities. Then, this year I didn’t actually want to pour my energy into going big for Christmas – for people who don’t really try or care about such things. So, I’ve been trying and doing less because my priorities feel a little different. That’s actually okay, and it makes me feel peaceful. It feels like the right thing to do right now.
The exception in all that is my partner who ironically never celebrated Christmas before me. This year, we do all the festive stuff together and honestly, it’s very fun despite the long-distance setting. We exchange gifts, watch movies, talk about the holidays, make plans for the future. You get it, we’re being cute.
I just have this reminder for you: It’s okay to feel sad at Christmas – to miss people, to not want to do anything special, to want to be alone. Don’t feel obligated to celebrate if you don’t want to. Then, if you do want to celebrate Christmas, but you don’t have anyone to do it with, just try to make the day special for yourself. Cook something tasty, treat yourself to something nice, watch a movie you like, get a holiday beverage. There doesn’t have to be a turkey, a Christmas tree, or a bunch of gifts to be able to feel good with yourself.
My thoughts for 2026
I’m still planning and plotting the new year, but I already feel good about it. Thank God, I’m finally achieving my yearly goal of writing 100k words, so I’ll be able to focus on different things when it comes to writing in the new year. I’m looking forward to getting more into content creation, but also working more on fictional projects and writing: poetry, short stories, and hopefully, BLEASE, my novel.
Otherwise, while I haven’t written down my yearly goals yet, I’m interested in learning more about finances and being more financial responsible, taking better care of my physical and mental health, and getting more serious about my relationship.
I’m feeling optimistic for the new year. I’m going to step into it with lovely people by my side and zero toxicity – so, those are already good signs.
Happy HolIdays!
I’m going into a small hiatus for a few days, but I’ll be back with at least a new post before the new year. Yeah, it’ll be affirmations.
Until we meet again, I’d like to wish you Happy holidays and Merry Christmas! Wishing you love, peace, health, joy, and many happy and bright moments with loved ones.
Have fun and remember to always love yourself! ❤️
