The Power of Year-end Rituals
By Mariella Villacorta, North Star Fund Development Officer
Every end of year I take the train down the Northeast corridor to spend it with my mom, dad and brother. I still remember the first year we spent as new immigrants 18 years ago. We had just moved from El Salvador and were slowly settling into the suburbs of Washington DC.
December back home was my favorite time as a child. It meant dancing, fireworks and eating tamales made by my Abuela. Every year we had a list of traditions that we moved through in a tight rhythm. Somehow, we saw everyone we needed to see, made it to every party and performance and still had time to go to the beach.
Our first cold December and the reality set in. We went from a lively week-long celebration with hundreds of family and friends to just the four of us. We were negotiating a new culture without our support networks.
We were far from family, far from home and far from the carousel of festivities that occupied our end of year. When we are separated, it is the threads of tradition that still make us feel connected. Despite the distance, we recreated the rituals we could. We started to invite our new friends and neighbors to join us. Soon, we weren’t so alone.
Traditions became even more important to us. They were anchors to our culture and a bridge to our new community.
As we approach the end of the year, I want to share a list of some of my family’s favorite rituals for New Year’s Eve. Some quirkier than others.
Twelve grapes - Set Intentions
When the clock strikes midnight, eat 12 grapes. Make a wish for each month of the coming year. Think of what you can do to help build the world we all deserve.
Walking with your suitcase outside - Travel and Adventure
Take out your empty suitcase and walk around the block after midnight. This helps manifest a year full of travel. My family and I like to run with our suitcases for fun.
Sweep the house - Dispel Bad Energy
Sweep your house for bad energies and bad luck to leave your home. It’s very important you do this before midnight. You can add a bit of cinnamon on the floor for the warm aroma.
I have been doing these traditions since I can remember. As I get older, I have started to create my own, those that honor the past while acknowledging the world we live in now.
As part of my new year-end rituals, I reflect on the last 12 months. I sit with the challenges, the policy impacts, the collective anxiety about what will happen next. And I set powerful intentions for the new year.
This year, I started at North Star Fund as Development Officer. I raise money so that we can move resources to grassroots groups in New York City and the Hudson Valley. I am going into the new year inspired by the unwavering work of movement organizers. Those that are fighting back against authoritarian control and standing up for their communities.
Giving is an important end-of-year ritual for many. We call this the season of giving and it’s crucial to support the organizations that you care about. To help them to prepare for what’s next with the resources they need.
If you’re looking to deepen your end-of-year rituals and for a thoughtful way to give this season, consider making a gift to North Star Fund.
We hope we can be part of your New Year’s tradition.