Since the clocks struck midnight on January 1, one of the nonstop topics of conversation whether in the media or on social media threads has been what people are going to do for their new year's resolutions. It's just a continuation of the mistaken annual push by advice column/life coach types for people to embark on goals related to "personal transformation"—whether that's losing weight, changing careers, or something similar in nature.
My advice instead: we could all do with a reminder (myself included!) that this is the exact opposite direction we should go in this new year with making a change. Let me start with an example (and I promise, it's the only vaguely political part of this column). Here's what President Donald Trump told media outside a New Year's Eve party, when they asked whether he had made a New Year's resolution and - if so - what it is.
It turns out that he answered in the affirmative, yes, he does have one. And it was not about losing weight or some personal goalsetting, but about something bigger: he wants everyone in the world to experience peace.
REPORTER: "Mr. President, do you have a New Year's resolution?"
— Fox News (@FoxNews) January 1, 2026
PRESIDENT TRUMP: "Peace. Peace on Earth." pic.twitter.com/NXS1QAJg46
First Lady Melania Trump gave her wish for the holidays (although not a resolution, per se), while visiting with servicemembers and their families during a Christmas event for Toys For Tots. It perfectly relates to my advice here. As my colleague Katie Jerkovich wrote, Melania closed the charity event by "reminding everyone that the greatest gift you can give at this time is love":
"This Christmas season, you, your friends, and your families should wish for the ultimate gift - love. After all, love travels further than Santa's sleigh and America's Ospreys," the first lady said.
READ MORE: Watch: Melania Shares Heartwarming Moments With Military Kids at Christmas Event
We all could give love to others more often, especially when there is no expectation of reciprocity.
On the day of Christmas Eve, I was reminded about the joys of volunteering with others, when I invited my family visiting from out of state (my mom, my older sister Katherine, and her daughter, who was about to turn 12 on Christmas Day) to do it with me. They quickly agreed.
It was set up at one of the branches of the Arizona Humane Society located in South Phoenix; the shelters are closed all day on Christmas Eve, but they can then use it as sort of an in-service day for staffers. And they can concentrate their time on us volunteers.
What was especially cool about this opportunity was a couple things. First, the tasks we agreed to do had nothing directly to do with caring for the animals living there. We were making Christmas presents in the form of healthy treats for the little dogs and cats. Second, this was what is known as a one-time volunteering event. You show up for an hour, then you're done!
Before I get too far ahead of myself, on New Year's Eve, my colleague Brandon Morse wrote up has suggestion for a national resolution. I hope you check it out below. You also may have missed my review of the new Angel Studio's movie that's perfect for Christian (and Jewish!) families:
READ: I'd Like to Suggest a New Year's Resolution for the Nation
They had us meet up at the locked Humane Society entrance around 10 AM (a very reasonable hour), Then the staffer guided us to a small activities room where we made snacks for the shelter's animlals waiting for their forever homes.
One table was for decorating gift bags (paper ones, so that the doggies can "open" them) and another was gift wrapping things like collars and leashes that (presumably) a human would open.
The other positive here was that someone of any age or ability or level of health could take part. The gift bag decorating was a sitting down kind of activity.
You might wonder if there was any downside to it and, sadly, there was one. This came up after we did the craftwork/rudimentary prep cooking, when the staffers took us to the area where we could visit with the animals - mostly dogs and some cats. They seem well cared for and have ample room to stretch out indoors and outdoors (sort of like the living areas at some zoos).
Sure, some were barky and very afraid of humans, and they will need time, patience, and training/socialization. But they were the exception, not the rule. It was hard to see the sweet demeanors of some of the pooches and kitties, and leave them there.
Even if a one-time event like this won't work for you or your family, consider "checking out" one of the dogs to accompany you on a day trip or a weekend slumber party at your home, if your local shelter allows it (ours does).
2026 is the year we should work on sowing volunteering into our regular habits. The warmth I was reminded of when doing the shelter event probably came from growing up in the Girl Scouts (and yeah, it's not a great option anymore, sadly).
One of the founding principles or philosophies behind it is about being a good neighbor to others. Giving and looking outwards to see who we can help, even if it's a one-time act. I think this could be a healthy step for us as a country, and a great example for young people. Let's give it a whirl.
