No, you didn’t miss last week’s Rituals. I took a much-needed break and decided to fly to NYC from Florida for a quick pre-Christmas trip to see the holiday lights, shop, eat my favorite foods, and see a couple of shows. Thank you for understanding.
Is it me, or does life feel like it’s spinning faster than ever? The news is overwhelming, schedules are packed, and sometimes it feels like we’re just trying to keep our heads above water. Personally, I have been trying to escape – A LOT (I was in NYC last week for a last-minute done on the cheap pre-Christmas getaway that I’ll tell you about in another post). So as we head into 2026, I’m making a conscious choice to slow down, lean into comfort, and embrace the little things that make me genuinely happy.
This New Year’s Eve, it’s not going to be all about the glitz and chaos. Instead, I’m starting a ritual that I plan to carry through the entire year: prioritizing comfort, ease, and those small moments that fill your soul.
1. Dress for Comfort, Not the Occasion
This New Year’s Eve, you’ll find me in the softest, coziest clothes imaginable. I’m talking about my True Classic Oatmeal Slouch Pullover Crew and Relaxed Jogger set. It’s the kind of outfit that feels like a warm hug. No sequins, no heels, no outfit that requires sucking it in. Just pure, unapologetic comfort. It’s just going to be the two of us watching TV, relaxing (and maybe staying up late enough to watch the ball drop – maybe not).
My husband (Mr. S) NEVER dresses up. It’s actually a little bit of a pet peeve, so it’s no shock that he will be right there with me in his True Classic Carbon Long Sleeve Henley. I’ve come to terms with it, as a matter of fact, I’ve actually come to understand and embrace it. Dressing up has its time and place, but since we always do New Year’s Eve at home (just the two of us), this year we’re matching in spirit: relaxed, cozy, and completely ourselves. Oh, and when I kiss him at midnight, I get to run my hands down that unbelievably soft shirt. Hey, don’t judge me, we’ve been married for over 45 years, and it’s all good.
My tip: Make one day a week your “comfort uniform” day. Whether it’s loungewear or your favorite worn-in jeans, give yourself permission to prioritize how you feel.
What I Use: As you can see, I’m loving my True Classic Oatmeal Slouch Pullover Crew and Relaxed Jogger set. I can wear it around the house, making dinner, or even having a cocktail at a friend’s house. It’s comfy, but toss on a big chunky necklace or scarf (like I always do), and it goes EVERYWHERE in style.
2. Easy Entertaining, Zero Stress
For New Year’s Eve, we’re keeping it deliciously simple with an AppyHour Box. Everything we need for an impressive spread arrives in one beautiful package—artisan cheeses, premium charcuterie, perfect pairings, and a tasting guide that makes us look like culinary geniuses without lifting a finger.
No running around to five different stores. No overthinking what pairs with what. Just open, arrange, and enjoy. It’s entertaining without the stress, and that’s exactly the energy I’m bringing into 2026.
My tip: Find one easy solution each week that takes something off your plate. Meal kits, grocery delivery, pre-made appetizers—there’s no shame in making life simpler. In fact, it’s smart.
What I Use: I love creating a beautiful charcuterie board (my daughter-in-law calls me the Queen of Cuterie), but having it all delivered to the house and ready just to put out to serve with the BEST OF THE BEST ingredients is my new secret weapon. The AppyHour Box delivers expertly curated artisan cheeses and premium meats right to our door. It’s become our go-to for everything from date nights to last-minute gatherings.
- Use Code: ZIPPORAHSANDLER for $15 off via this link > AppyHour
3. Celebrate the Small Wins
Once a week, I’m making it a point to celebrate something small. Maybe it’s finishing a book I’ve been reading, having a really great conversation with a friend, or just getting through a tough week. We don’t need champagne (okay, sometimes we do), but we do need to acknowledge the good stuff.
This New Year’s Eve, we’re toasting to making it through another year, not with pressure to be perfect in the next one, but with gratitude for showing up, trying our best, and being kind to ourselves.
My tip: Keep a small notebook or note on your phone where you jot down one win each week. On hard days, go back and read them. You’re doing better than you think.
4. A No-Pressure Evening Ritual
Once a week, I’m creating an evening that’s completely pressure-free. No agenda, no plans, no expectations. Just me (and maybe my husband, maybe not), doing whatever feels right in that moment. Reading, watching something cozy, listening to music, or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea (we’ve recently both discovered how much we enjoy tea).
This New Year’s Eve is the template: soft clothes, good food, zero expectations. It’s not about what we accomplish or how much fun we force ourselves to have. It’s about being present, comfortable, and content.
My tip: Block out one evening a week on your calendar and label it “nothing.” Protect it fiercely. This is your time to just be.
5. Permission to Slow Down
The world is telling us to hustle, optimize, and do more. But once a week, I’m giving myself permission to slow all the way down. To move at my own pace. To say no to things that drain me. To choose rest over productivity.
Starting this New Year’s Eve, I’m making slowness a practice, not an exception. Because when life is spiraling, the most radical thing we can do is pause, breathe, and choose ease.
My tip: When you catch yourself rushing through the week, ask: “What would it look like to slow down right now?” Sometimes it’s as simple as taking a longer shower or sitting outside for five minutes.
Wrapping It Up
2026 is going to be the year of choosing comfort over chaos, ease over effort, and small joys over grand gestures. Because when the world feels too much, the answer isn’t to do more—it’s to savor what’s already good.
This New Year’s Eve, we’re not waiting for the ball to drop to start living differently. We’re starting now. Soft clothes, good food, no pressure, and plenty of grace.
Because sometimes, the best resolution is simply to be a little kinder to yourself.
