December usually means the end of the year for many of us. Many will take a well-deserved holiday with friends and loved ones, or celebrate with good food and company, toasting to surviving another year, hopefully unscathed.  After eleven months of the year, the last month is probably the best time to reflect and take stock of what you’ve done throughout the year, and also assess how you have grown – mentally, physically and spiritually.  We asked our members what their year-end traditions are and were blown away by some of the answers.  Some of these may even change your perception of how you’ve been living your life. 

Heart mapping – a way to map out where you’re from, where you’ve been and where you’ll be

Decluttering can be a great way to make way for new things – both mentally and physically.  But decluttering without a clear motive actually means nothing and you end up accumulating the same clutter again the following year.   Naomi suggests to “spend time digging deep into not just what I’m grateful for, but why certain people and experiences shaped me this year”.  She also recommends going beyond the obvious highlights and examine the moments that pushed you to grow, even the uncomfortable ones.  

Many will only remember the fond highlights of the year, but being able to address the challenging moments also lets you know your boundary limits and resilience threshold, decisions you made that redirected your path and steered you in a better direction.   

Naomi says “heart mapping” allows you to see the thread that connects who you were at the start of the year to who you’ve become, and lets you see how you have changed. “By the end of this reflection, I can see that the experiences I’m most grateful for aren’t necessarily the easiest ones, but the ones that reveal strengths I didn’t know I had” she says.  In that sense, decluttering then becomes a completed journey instead of a rinse, wash, repeat cycle. 

Pictures say a thousand words

Taking a picture now is easier than when there was a time it required a roll of film and a camera. Literally everyone has a camera in their smartphone now and taking a picture is as easy as one, two, three.  However, scrolling through thousands of pictures on your phone isn’t as meaningful a way to reminisce and sum up your year than if you curate a collection that succinctly represents your memories and your time in the year. There is a reason why before digital photography, there were shelves or boxes of photo albums kept.  The photographs in these albums captured precious moments and brought back memories.

“Selecting my top photos of the year and going through a year-end reflection with my husband so we can take stock of how we’ve grown, and been blessed” is how Reflective Rabbit puts it.  

For those who prefer a fuss free way of doing it can try the “12 photo time capsule”, as submitted by Ray, who picks out one photograph from each month of the year that best captures the year’s or even month’s mood, and stores them on a cloud drive.  He says that opening past folders feels like time traveling through his own growth. 

Love letter to yourself

Thanabal says he writes little notes about happy or funny moments and keeps them in a jar.  He opens them up at the end of the year with his family and they read them together. Little Mermaid Rainbow does something similar but hers is a more intimate affair.  She lights candles, plays music and writes a letter that contains three primary things to her future self – what she’s thankful for, what she’s learned, and what she wants to let go of. Opening last year’s letter leaves her smiling, reminding her of lessons learned and joys celebrated.  Jennifer says that this kind of tradition, though simple yet profound, is her bridge from what was to what can be. 

For those who keep a year long journal, this would be the best time to read through it, with a nice cup of beverage by your side.  Spending the year end alone might not be such a bad thing.  It’s a great opportunity to just centre yourself and do some self-care, which may not be something many of us have the chance to do often. 

Whether it be reflecting on the past, embracing the present and looking towards the future, there is no denying this practice leaves you lighter, warmer and ready to welcome the new beginnings awaiting just beyond the incoming turn of the calendar. 

Visiting old places, exploring new ones

Throughout our lifetimes, many of us have moved from one location to the next, some even to another country.  Singapore’s landscape has changed tremendously through the years, with new buildings erected and more train lines appearing.  Revisiting old neighbourhoods can be both nostalgic and fun.  Preston visits his old ancestral home on Pulau Ubin with his family every year.  The home is now nothing more than a dilapidated hut but they will reminisce about their childhoods there and all the memories they had growing up.  Sharing the actual site with the younger generation also materializes the stories told and leaves a more poignant message to never forget your roots because it is when you shaped your present self.

Some book the same chalet every year and gather everyone they wish to celebrate the end of the year with.  TMC makes a staycation of it.  His family will go cycling, relax in the room, and watch the planes fly past. Coolnymph says she will also have themes for her year-end chalet gathering, with pot luck and barbeque, games and prizes. 

Exploring a new place is also a great way to end the year with excitement and anticipation.  It also sets the tone to how you want your new year to begin.  Wen Sheng sees the year end as a great way to visit a location, a neighbourhood or even a hawker centre he’s never been to before.  He loves stepping into the unknown with courage and actively seeking new experiences and discoveries.  

Sharing your blessings and helping those who need a boost

End of the year is a great time to get together with loved ones, but there are also those not as fortunate.  Instead of finishing the year strong, how about finishing the year soft?  Be the one that gives and provides the safety and solace to those who would otherwise be alone and deprived.  YC shares that his family comes together to prepare and distribute goodie bags to students with financial needs or special needs.  He says that “the adults will provide the funds, the kids will source and pack the goodie bags and we will all go distribute as a family”.  

Doing so also provides those in need with some needed interaction, which would otherwise not be available to them due to their circumstances.  Bc plans his entire day in service, kinship, reflection and growth, and makes it a point to volunteer supporting underprivileged children, the elderly and food banks. “I feel it is important to give back to society”, says Bc.

And if you love animals, volunteering at animal shelters also provides a relief for the staff and helps the animals have a more cheerful time during the festive period. Whilst donating funds may be the obvious choice, sometimes small gestures like even bringing the staff some festive food and treats for the animals makes a big difference. 

Finishing the year

With all the great traditions that our members have suggested, we can summarise that it is important that you finish the year surrounded by people and places that provide safety and comfort, enabling you to clear your mind and feel good for your nervous system.  Show up for yourself instead of showing up everywhere.  Celebrate your growth and move steadily with intent.  Most of all, finish the year rested. 

If you’re still wondering what to do with your year-end, why not book a CSC chalet and let our variety of chalet options spoil you for choice – from family and friend gatherings to themed parties, and even dog-friendly chalets!  Check it out here

Our clubhouses have a variety of facilities and activities you can plan for your year end fun and gathering.  Check it out here

CSC members enjoy a myriad of privileges in the clubhouses, from free entry to swimming pools to priority bookings for facilities, discounts with merchant partners and invites to events.  From now till 31 Dec 2025, you can sign up with our special promotion.  Check it out here