There is a general tension around a lot of people wishing for the year to end and hoping next year is better. I get that, I know sometimes we have the most difficult and painful times and associate it with the 12 month cycle. This is a very practiced habit amongst humans. January 1st arrives and somehow resets the balance and helps us to feel like we are safely on square 1 again.
I do agree it is a great opportunity to set out goals for the coming 12 months as this can structure and remove pressure of oneself at the comfort of having a whole year to get these results. This is what I believe contributes towards the December pressure...the realisation that you didn't get everything completed, you didn't redecorate or loose that weight.
Many years ago, I gave up this negative & emotional pressure and give myself monthly tasks, nothing set in concrete, no pressure. I make a mental, emotional and physical plan for the new moon's cycle and ask myself what I would like to be different for her next cycle and along with my guides and earth family, I will enter into these changes.
I do acknowledge the "end" of an earth year but I no longer ask so much of myself nor punish myself for "underachieving". I take it in 12 bite size sections and roll with it. A lot can happen out of our control knocking the balance and reducing focus/time/resources but as the moon starts again then so can I.
Sometimes the shock of loosing something can be the kick start you need, maybe you hadn't been happy in your job for years & was then made redundant...guess what...the universe is helping...you no longer have this unfulfilling, boring and dead end job..so put your plans into action.
I do know what is it like to loose someone amazing and special & wish they were still here physically but over time I have learnt to broaden my awareness to those around me both physically and spiritually & not separate them, some are just upstairs whilst the others are in another room.
Be kind to yourself, make sure you are OK because you can't help others if you are not.
2019 will be ticking some long awaited goals for me & my family & I wish for the very same for you if you need them.
Remember to enjoy yours"elves"...Happy Christmas xx