“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have ever-laughing life.” Twenty years ago, Jeff and Bil Keane proffered this gospel verse in their syndicated comic strip Family Circus. If in heaven there is no more pain or sorrow, then during His itinerant preacher days, Jesus could have phrased John 3:16 this way, too.
Jesus also said that unless we change and become like children, we will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3) Hence, with a festive, childlike spirit, let us celebrate the remainder of Yuletide and the months that follow with some fun New Year’s Day resolutions. In random order, here are some ideas to boost your 2026 rejoice meter:
Jazz up your wardrobe. Add more color and variety. Mismatch. Dress happy!
Light candles in the morning and afternoon, as well as in the evening. Try new scents. The Stinky Candle Co. sells peanut butter, dill pickle, and nacho cheese candles, as well as wet grass, clean puppy, and Grandpa’s aftershave. If you’re not that daring, at least switch out your go-to floral or fruity preferences.
Redecorate without buying anything new or throwing treasures away. Simply move your furniture around, swap items hanging on your walls, or give your knickknacks a new view. Especially during the chilly months when you spend more time indoors, refresh your surroundings and perhaps lower your chance of catching Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Take a bubble bath. Deciding to become like a little child doesn’t mean you have to use Mr. Bubble like you did when you were a kid. There are plenty of versions out there to relax with, and in a pinch, liquid body soap works just as well.
Read children’s books. Don’t stop reading the genres you prefer, but explore picture books with Caldecott-worthy illustrations and Newbery-like qualities, even if there are no youngsters in your home. Allow a simple read with colorful pages or clever rhyme to take away what Calgon bath beads couldn’t. (see #4)
Color, draw, or finger paint. Just because you’ve outgrown art class doesn’t mean you can’t use crayons.
If it’s exercise you think you need, but you get bored with traditional workouts, find a music station that plays upbeat music you can dance to, especially if you can sing along. Bebop, side step, or cha-cha and burn calories at the same time.
Eat cold pizza or that last brownie for breakfast. Go easier on yourself— one day of fun food won’t kill you. (Refer to #7 for support.)
For just one day, don’t make plans. Or alter them. Or wake up and convince yourself that things do not have to be regulated.
Watch a comedy sitcom from the 20th century like I Love Lucy, Mork and Mindy, Seinfeld, or Home Improvement to make you literally laugh out loud. Guaranteed to release tension, but beware: you may cackle so hard that you sprain an eyeball.
There you have it— ten 2026 joyful resolutions. As a firm believer that humor is holy and simple is sacred, I know that sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to get through the inevitable tough days. So, gladden your life intentionally whenever you have a chance, and soothe your soul even if it’s only for a brief time. When July comes around, maybe you’ll be able to belt out “drink a cup of kindness yet for the sake of auld lang syne” with more gusto than you did last night.
“One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goeth
Wishing all of you a year of rejoicing,
Annmarie
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