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Dec. 27, 2024 By Czarinna Andres
The week between Christmas and New Year’s offers the perfect opportunity for reflection, renewal, and planning for the year ahead.
As 2025 approaches, this transitional period is an ideal time to set meaningful goals, embrace fresh opportunities, and strengthen connections within your community. By focusing on personal growth and community engagement, you can set the stage for a positive and productive start to the New Year.
Here are some practical tips to help you prepare for the New Year and make it a time of growth and success for you and your community.
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- Reflect and Make Your New Year’s Resolutions
Now is the perfect time for reflection and renewal. It’s an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments from the past year while setting meaningful goals for the year ahead. Whether it’s focusing on personal growth, learning a new skill, or dedicating more time to fitness and well-being, New Year’s resolutions provide a fresh start to embrace the possibilities of the future.
Across Queens, the borough offers countless ways to explore new experiences and achieve your goals. For those interested in the arts, Flushing Town Hall hosts engaging art classes and workshops, while the Queens Museum in Corona provides opportunities to explore creativity. Fitness enthusiasts can find yoga and wellness programs at the Jamaica YMCA, or participate in outdoor activities at Alley Pond Park or Forest Park, which offer beautiful trails and open spaces for exercise.
Local libraries, like the Queens Public Library in Long Island City or the Central Library in Jamaica, are excellent resources for personal and professional development, offering classes, lectures, and access to valuable materials. Community centers such as Commonpoint Queens in Forest Hills provide diverse programs that support lifelong learning and growth.
To make the most of your resolutions, set specific, achievable goals and track your progress throughout the year. Whether it’s joining a cooking class, practicing mindfulness in a yoga session, or attending cultural events at local theaters, Queens’ diverse offerings make it easy to stay motivated and inspired.
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- Declutter and Organize Your Space
There’s something revitalizing about starting the New Year with a clean slate—both physically and mentally. Decluttering your home not only creates a more organized and harmonious living space but also promotes a sense of mental clarity and focus. As you prepare for the year ahead, take time to organize your home, sort through old belongings, and donate items you no longer need.
Across Queens, there are plenty of donation centers and thrift shops where you can give back to the community while refreshing your space. In Astoria, the Salvation Army on Steinway Street is a convenient option. The Sunnyside Thrift Store on Greenpoint Avenue offers another opportunity to donate clothing and household items.
In addition to visiting donation centers, you can also post items on your local neighborhood’s Buy Nothing groups on Facebook. These groups allow you to give away items directly to others in your community who may need them. Whether donating in person or online, these options make it easy to declutter while helping those in need and building connections with your neighbors.
Beyond your home, consider tidying up your digital environment. Delete unnecessary files, organize your documents, and unsubscribe from emails that clutter your inbox. For secure storage, consider backing up important data using cloud services or external drives. This digital decluttering ensures you start the year with a more streamlined and efficient setup, free of unnecessary distractions.
Lighthouse Rooftop Bar (Photo provided by Lighthouse)
- Plan Your Festivities
Queens offers a vibrant mix of ways to celebrate the New Year, with something for everyone, whether you’re looking for an intimate gathering or a lively party. Across the borough, local venues and events provide opportunities to ring in the New Year in style. From cozy neighborhood pubs to rooftop bars with stunning views of the city skyline, Queens has no shortage of exciting options to make the night memorable.
For those heading out, Astoria boasts popular spots like The Bonnie and Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden, perfect for a relaxed yet festive vibe. In Long Island City, rooftop bars such as Lost in Paradise and Lighthouse Rooftop offer breathtaking views of the city’s skyline for an unforgettable evening.
If you’re planning to stay in, bring the festivities home by organizing a celebration with friends and family. Get a head start by preparing decorations, party supplies, and signature cocktails to match the occasion. Set up a DIY photo booth, curate a special New Year’s Eve playlist, or plan themed activities to create a fun and memorable atmosphere.
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- Refresh Your Wellness Routine
A new year is the perfect time to re-evaluate your wellness goals, focusing on physical health, mental well-being, or a balance of both. Across Queens, there are countless opportunities to help you start the year off on the right foot. From expansive parks to state-of-the-art fitness centers, the borough offers something for everyone looking to prioritize their health and wellness.
Queens’ parks provide the perfect setting for outdoor activities. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park offers trails for jogging, walking, or cycling, as well as open spaces for yoga or stretching. Cunningham Park and Forest Park also feature beautiful green spaces and paths ideal for starting a morning exercise routine.
For those who prefer indoor fitness options, Queens is home to many gyms and fitness centers. Gyms like Blink Fitness in Jackson Heights and Orange Theory in Bayside offer everything from group classes to personal training. These facilities cater to a variety of fitness levels and goals, ensuring there’s a program for everyone.
If you’re interested in holistic approaches to wellness, consider trying a meditation or yoga class. Studios like Suryaside Yoga in Sunnyside provide practices designed to reduce stress, enhance focus, and set a positive tone for the year ahead. Wellness centers across Queens also offer options like tai chi, mindfulness workshops, and other activities focused on mental clarity and balance.
Photo: Hunters Point Parks Conservancy
- Stay Connected with Your Community
In a year that may feel filled with uncertainty or change, staying connected to your neighbors and community is more important than ever. Engaging in local events, joining volunteer opportunities, or participating in neighborhood initiatives is a meaningful way to give back and build a strong support network across Queens.
Throughout the borough, there are countless ways to get involved. Consider joining a community cleanup in Hunters Point South Park or volunteering with organizations like Sunnyside Community Services in Sunnyside or Queens Community House in Forest Hills. These groups offer programs that address local needs while fostering a sense of belonging.
Family-friendly events, such as cultural festivals at Queens Botanical Garden or performances at Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, provide opportunities to connect with others while celebrating the borough’s diversity. For those interested in safety and advocacy, many Queens neighborhoods host regular civic meetings, community board meetings and neighborhood watch programs to address local concerns and strengthen ties.
Be sure to check local listings for meetups, cleanups, and events happening throughout the year. By staying engaged and involved in community-driven initiatives, you can make a positive impact while building lasting relationships across Queens.
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Prepping for the New Year is all about making thoughtful decisions that set you up for a fulfilling year ahead. From decluttering your home to supporting local businesses and embracing new wellness practices, Queens is filled with opportunities to start fresh. Whether you’re taking time to reflect, setting new goals, or enjoying all that your neighborhood has to offer, the New Year is the perfect chance to begin anew.
*This story was first published in the December issue of BORO Magazine.
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