I hope your holidays are merry and nice with lots of family, friends and food. Every year, I host my big extended family—there are 50 or so of us Fitzgeralds—at a Christmas Eve brunch. Sounds like a lot of work? It is, but it also isn’t. Everyone always brings something for brunch. All I have to do is clean the house and make French toast and lots of bacon. For many of us, this is the only time we see each other

This results in a lot of animated conversations. As you probably expect, most of the Fitzgeralds are funny in a snarky sort of way, so it is always fun. I think having endless mimosas and my brother Mike’s homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream concoction helps! Most of my nieces and nephews have kids ranging in age from 3 to 23. Every year, I am amazed at how much they have grown up.

But right after Christmas, it is time to make my New Year’s resolutions. I write them in this column each year. Fortunately, no one ever asks me how I did. So here is to 2026! Feel free to copy mine if you run out of time to make your own.

First, I am bringing back an old favorite in making 2026 the year of yes! The past two years have been a bit of a struggle for me healthwise—I had my gall bladder out, and my OCD was in full gear. But with the right help and medications, I am almost my old self. Not sure if that is a good thing or bad thing. This resolution means I have to step out of my bubble and be willing to head west on Highway 64. There are a whole lot of things past the Lindbergh exit that I should see and do. If you have any ideas for my year of yes, email me!

Second, I am going to stop walking like an 85-year-old. Nothing against any readers that age, but at 65, I should not shuffle when I walk. My doctor sent me to a physical therapist to fix me, but now, I am on my own. I hope to spend lots of time this winter, when we are in Florida, working on walking like a 50-year-old.

Third, I am going to reach out to friends that I have somehow let slip past me over the past two years. I think friends keep you sane, and the good ones tell you when you are insane. So, I anticipate a spring full of coffees and lunches.

Fourth, I am going to be nicer to myself. I am my own worst critic! I over analyze everything, including this column. When the deadline approaches, I always wonder if I am funny enough or too snarky. There is a fine balance, and even after 11 years of writing this column, I still sweat a little when I turn it in.

So, there is my list. The thing about resolutions is they are about hope. So even if I fail, I will be better for trying at least. And since I never report back on my resolutions in this column, no one can judge me. Oh, and I promise not to judge you if you only last a month with your new fitness routine. Happy holidays, my Peeps!