Entering 2026

2025 was the Chinese Year of the Snake, a symbol of shedding old skin. Like a snake releasing what no longer serves it, this year invited us to peel back layers and move beyond what we’ve outgrown. It was a year of quiet transformation. Now, 2026 arrives as the Year of the Horse, representing momentum, freedom, and forward movement.

Snow is a rare sight living in central Virginia. When it does appear, it’s usually in January or February. I can hardly remember the last time it snowed before Christmas. Yet this year, on the night of December 5th, snow began to fall. It was wet and icy. It felt like an earthly reset…like the start of something new. Three days later, it snowed again, this time leaving behind a dense, compact blanket perfect for children to sled.

To me, this felt like a sign: a fresh beginning. A new coat forming after the skin we shed in 2025. As we step into 2026, may we be ready to move forward, embrace momentum, and find freedom.