We used to do it every year. But since my children left the nest, we burn dried Christmas trees every two to three years. We use the fires to invite and dismiss emotions, things, people, moods, and whatever else is on our hearts.

Although I miss the yearly tree burning ritual, the truth is, I don’t wait for dried Christmas trees. Throughout the year, I sit around the firepit with a friend or friends or even alone with a pen. We scribble invitations and dismissals on pieces of paper or cardboard, throw them into the fire, and enjoy the flare as the words from our hearts go up in flames.

Many traditions observe similar rituals. Some have rules about the execution of inviting and dismissing. But here, in my backyard, we trust everyone to follow their intuition and heart as they write and fire up their desires.

In general, I don’t do grandiose resolutions as the calendar turns to a new year, so this fire ritual is also my way of bringing in each year.

As we approach 2025, I’ll dismiss, among other things, the following:

• attachment to patterns, people, and routines that no longer serve me.
• fear and insecurity around next steps.
• limiting beliefs about my creative journey.

I’ll also invite a few things that align with my goals and values, including:

• abundant mindset.
• efficient effort and focused writing flow.
• compassion and deep listening for others.

What are you bringing with you from this year into the new one? What are you inviting in? As you say goodbye to 2024, what are you dismissing?

Pennie Nichols. All Rights Reserved. 2024