5 Ways to Recap Your Year

As we start 2026, I thought it would be fun to share 5 simple ways to recap your year. Some years I’ve done all of these, and other years I’ve only done one or two. But if you start in January, you’ll have such a meaningful way to remember your year when December rolls around.

1. Mood Boards

   Throughout the year, I collect simple items from meaningful adventures and experiences. Not only does it create something special to display in our home, but it’s also a beautiful way to remember the year.

2. The “Good” List

   This is one of my favorites! In a notes app, I keep a running list of favorite memories, milestones, and answered prayers. It’s fun to look back on in December—and even more meaningful in the years to come.

3. Family Videos

   I take short videos on my phone throughout the year. At the end of December, I download them into iMovie, export one video, and on New Year’s Eve we watch the year’s video together as a family.

4. Family Photo Album

   I haven’t been as consistent with this in recent years, but I love having a family photo album each year to recap that season of life.

5. One Line A Day

   I don’t write every day, but I jot down anything I want to remember—quotes, funny moments, or little highlights. I also started one for each of our boys. They’re technically five-year journals, but I’m planning to keep them going until they graduate.