Nightwolf's Den

🌕 Planner Setup 2026 (Part 2 – Yearly & Monthly Pages)

✨ Introduction

Part two of my Planner Setup 2026 series takes a closer look at my Yearly and Monthly sections – the heart of how I plan, reflect, and stay grounded throughout the year.

These pages hold both the big-picture goals and the smaller rhythms that shape each month. After setting up my dividers and section layouts, it’s time to fill in the pages that I’ll come back to again and again. My yearly pages offer that wide-lens view of 2026, while the monthly spreads help me bring everything down to earth — into habits, routines, and reminders that keep me on track.

🗓️ Yearly Pages

2026 Overview

Just like last year, I’ve started my planner with a Year at a Glance spread. I make this using small monthly calendars created in Google Sheets, printed and pasted in. It’s clean, minimal, and practical.

In 2026, I’ve decided to skip my old Future Log – I rarely checked back on it. Instead, I’m simplifying to focus on what I actually use and enjoy.

A5 planner open to a yearly overview spread with printed mini monthly calendars.

Witchy Things

One of my favourite spreads each year – the Witchy Things page! It includes:

Moon phases for 2026
Sabbat dates
Yearly numerology
My yearly tarot card draw

It’s my gentle way to stay aligned with natural cycles and add a touch of magic to my planning. I love seeing how these themes weave through the months. This year I’m adding a Sabbat Reflections spread, noting dates, seasonal themes, rituals or actions taken and my reflections and/or feelings.

Planner spread featuring moon phases and witchy planning elements.

Master Goals List

New for 2026 is my Master Goals List layout. Instead of sorting goals by category, I’ve grouped them by focus area – Physical Health, Mental Health, Home, Family, Personal Development, Creative, and Spiritual.

This helps me see where my energy is going and keep balance across different areas of life.

Planner spread showing a master goals list divided by life focus areas.

26 Things in 2026

Every year, I set myself a fun challenge, a “__ Things in __” list. My 26 Things in 2026 is all about little adventures, habits, and moments I want to collect.

It’s not about achievement; it’s about intention – creating space for the things that make life feel full and joyful.

Planner page listing 26 personal goals and joyful activities for 2026.

🌿 Quarterly Pages

New in 2026 I’m adding a few pages that will change with the quarters. This will go between my Yearly and Monthly sections.

Quarterly Goals: Pulled from my master list and turned into actionable steps.
End of Quarter Brain Dump: Clearing mental clutter before turning the page.
Reset Week: Time to tidy, reflect, and reset intentions for the next three months.

🌿 Monthly Pages

My Monthly Section is where I spend most of my time through the year – a mix of planning, reflection, and creativity. The structure is similar to last year’s setup because it just works for me.

Monthly Spread

For my monthly overview, I’m once again using the Lovely Planner A5 “Month on Two Pages” printable. It’s simple, functional, and perfect for quick glances at busy weeks.

After that I have my weekly spreads. Each week takes up 2 x two page spreads and the layout is based off the Lights Planner Action mental health planner. I love the layout and adapted it to fit my planner.

Monthly planner spread showing a “Month on Two Pages” layout with notes and highlights.

Monthly Pep Talk

Each month begins with a Monthly Pep Talk – a gentle check-in to set the tone for the weeks ahead.

I include:

Intentions for the month ahead
Goals for the month
Self-care ideas
What I’m looking forward to

During uni semesters, I also add a Uni Focus section to track assignments, readings, and key dates.

Planner spread featuring a monthly pep talk and self-care check-list.

Month in Review

At the end of each month, I take time to reflect – planner open, pen in hand, maybe with a hot chocolate (or a vodka if it’s been that kind of month).

My Month in Review spread helps me celebrate wins, note lessons, and plan adjustments for next month.

It includes:

Watching
Reading
Highlights
Goal Review
Next Month Planning: things to start, stop, continue, and goals for the month ahead

Planner page showing monthly reflection and personal highlights written in pen.

🌙 Wrapping It All Up

Together, these Yearly and Monthly pages form the foundation of my planner – the rhythm that holds everything else in place. They balance structure with creativity, practicality with reflection.

I’ll share a full peek inside once my pages are decorated and filled – because half the joy of planning is seeing it evolve throughout the year.

✨ Planner Setup Series Links

Planner Setup 2026 (Part 1 – Tools & Layout) → Read Here
Planner Setup 2026 (Part 3 – Goals & Tracker Pages) → Coming Soon
Planner Setup Series Master Post List

🌙 Planner Setup 2026 (Part 1 – Tools & Layout)

Setting Intentions for the Year Ahead

Every December, I carve out time to sit down with a cold drink, my favourite pens, and a pile of planner supplies spread across the table. It’s my quiet ritual – reflecting on the year that’s been and laying the groundwork for what’s to come.

This post kicks off my Planner Setup 2026 series, where I walk through the tools, layouts, and ideas I’m bringing into the new year.

It’s that time of year again – planner setup season! ✨ I always look forward to this process: fresh pages, new intentions, and the chance to tweak my system for what’s ahead. For 2026, I’m keeping things simple but intentional – using tools and layouts that have worked for me, while refining a few sections to better fit where I’m at right now.

Just like in 2025, I’ll be using my A5 Melody planner from Planners Anonymous (it’s sadly sold out but all their planner covers are amazing). It’s gorgeous, functional, and endlessly customisable. I’ll be printing my own dot-grid inserts, so I can tailor each section to my planning style.

🗓️ Planner Overview

For 2026, my planner will be divided into four main sections:

Yearly
Monthly
Misc
Goals

Each section has its own rhythm – some pages I’ll use every day, while others serve as those “big picture” reference points that keep me grounded and inspired.

✨ Yearly Section – My Big Picture Pages

This is where my planner begins: the overview of the year and everything I want to keep in sight.

What’s included:

2026 Calendar: A simple reference calendar to view the year at a glance.
Master Goals List: My focus areas for 2026 – with details later in the Goals section.
26 Things in 2026: A fun annual tradition – 26 experiences, achievements, or small joys to check off through the year.
Witchy Things Page: My spiritual spreads – moon phases, Sabbat dates, yearly numerology, and my tarot card of the year. In 2026 I’m adding a spread for Sabbat reflections.
Seasonal Bucket Lists: Things we want to do during the current season.

🌿 Monthly Section – Staying Grounded in the Present

The monthly section is where most of my active planning happens. It keeps me focused on what’s happening now while allowing space to plan ahead.

Quarterly rhythm:

Quarterly Goals: Pulled from my master list and turned into actionable steps.
Reset Week: Time to tidy, reflect, and reset intentions for the next three months.
End of Quarter Brain Dump: Clearing mental clutter before turning the page.

Monthly pages:

Monthly Spread: Using my go-to Lovely Planner printable (A5 size, clean and functional).
Monthly Pep Talk: A motivational note to myself – small but powerful.
Weekly Spreads: Flexible layouts that adapt to busy or quiet weeks.
Month in Review: Reflections on wins, challenges, and moments that mattered.

📚 Misc Section – Lists That Spark Joy

This section is for all the extras that add colour to my year.

Pages include:

To Be Read List – books I want to explore in 2026
2026 Bookshelf – the books I’ve finished
Shows & Movies to Watch – perfect for cosy nights in
Podcasts to Try – new finds or old favourites worth revisiting

🎯 Goals Section – Turning Intentions Into Action

The final section ties everything together – my Goals.

Includes:

Master Goals List: Big-picture intentions across personal, creative, home, and spiritual areas.
Goal Breakdown Pages: Step-by-step maps for achieving those goals – keeping them actionable and realistic.

🌕 Looking Ahead

This post is the first in my 2026 Planner Setup Series. In Part 2, I’ll be sharing a closer look at my Yearly and Monthly pages, along with photos and printable templates once everything is finalised.

If you’re a fellow planner nerd or simply curious about creating a system that works for you – I hope this inspires you to make your setup your own: functional, flexible, and full of joy.

🔗 Planner Setup Series Links

Planner Setup 2026 (Part 2 – Yearly & Monthly Pages) → Coming Soon
Planner Setup Series – the master post list

Goal Setting for 2026: Vision, Balance & Intention

A Fresh Start: Intentions for the New Year

With the reflections of 2025 still fresh, 2026 will begin with a deep breath and a renewed sense of purpose. After a year of family health ups and downs, returning to study, and adjusting to new routines, 2026’s focus is all about balance – nurturing what matters most, one gentle goal at a time.

The aim isn’t perfection or pressure. It’s about living with intention, creating sustainable rhythms, and celebrating small wins along the way.

Physical Health: Grounding in Movement and Rest

Health was front and centre last year, and 2026 builds on that awareness. The focus is on gentle, consistent care – walking in nature, mindful movement, and rest that restores.

Key Goals:

Walk in nature at least three times a week – beaches, bush tracks, or ParkRun.
Create a gentle morning movement ritual.
Grow and eat more fresh produce from the garden.
Stick to a no phone after 9pm rule for better rest and sleep rhythms.

Mental Health: Quiet Reflection & Gentle Progress

After the emotional weight of 2025, mental health takes priority. 2026 invites slow, steady self-awareness through journaling and rest.

Key Goals:

Keep a weekly self-check-in journal – mood, gratitude, and small wins.
Take one mental health day each month purely for rest or pleasure.
Explore sensory tools for autistic wellbeing – weighted blankets, calming soundscapes, and scent rituals.
Limit online comparison by curating digital spaces mindfully.

Home: Creating Calm and Flow

Home is the heart of everything – a sanctuary that supports both study and creativity. 2026 focuses on steady, practical improvements that make daily life flow with ease.

Key Goals:

Complete one decluttering or organising project each month.
Create a cozy or sacred corner with candles, books, and plants.
Build sustainable home rhythms – daily, weekly, and seasonal routines.
Grow herbs, flowers, and veggies for a thriving home garden.

Family: Connection at the Core

After K’s big start at Indie School and a year filled with both challenges and milestones, 2026 is about making time to connect. Family adventures, gratitude, and shared creativity will be woven into the year ahead.

Key Goals:

Have weekly family dinners or game nights – no screens allowed.
Take at least four day trips or mini-adventures around Tasmania.
Start a “family gratitude jar” to collect weekly moments of joy.
Begin a family creative project – photography, a zine, or a memory book.

Personal Development: Growth Through Learning

Returning to study after 20 years in 2025 was a powerful reminder that learning never stops. 2026 continues that momentum, blending curiosity with balance.

Key Goals:

Read 12 books that inspire creativity and insight.
Take a short online course or workshop that sparks excitement.
Practice saying no without guilt to protect energy and boundaries.
Reflect quarterly on values and priorities, realigning as needed.

Creative Goals: Making from the Heart

Creativity remains a core part of life and expression. Whether it’s through writing, art, photography, or crafting, 2026 is about joy in the process rather than perfection.

Key Goals:

Dedicate two hours each week purely to making.
Attend or host a creative workshop with other makers.
Complete a signature project that reflects personal story and style – it’s launching today and I’m really excitied.

Spiritual Goals: Staying Aligned and Connected

Following the Wheel of the Year and reconnecting with local land and energy will guide 2026’s spiritual path. These rituals offer grounding and reflection throughout the seasons.

Key Goals:

Celebrate each Sabbat with small, meaningful rituals.
Deepen connection with local land spirits through gratitude and offerings.
Build a daily or weekly altar practice tied to moon phases or elemental themes.

Closing Thoughts

2025 taught resilience, gratitude, and the value of slowing down. 2026 carries those lessons forward – with gentle structure, grounded goals, and space for joy. This isn’t a year of hustle; it’s a year of harmony.

Here’s to a balanced and beautiful 2026 – a year of health, creativity, and connection in all its forms.

With love from the Den,

– Nightwolf 🐺

🌕 2025 Reflection & 2026 Intentions

2025 asked me to slow down, listen to my body, and trust that growth can still happen in the quiet seasons. As I look ahead to 2026, I’m carrying gratitude for what’s passed and gentle hope for what’s to come.

As another year draws to a close, I’ve been taking a few quiet evenings to reflect on everything 2025 brought – the lessons, the unexpected turns, and the small joys that made even the hard days worthwhile.

This year was a wild mix of challenge and growth – one filled with learning, change, and a deeper appreciation for what truly matters. Between juggling family life, health issues, and diving back into university study after a 20-year break, I often felt stretched thin, but also strangely grounded. Returning to study has been both exciting and daunting – rediscovering learning habits, writing essays again, and building confidence in a whole new field.

There were weeks where my body simply said “not today,” and I had to listen. I’m learning (slowly) that rest isn’t failure – it’s part of the process.

Family, Health & Milestones

2025 wasn’t always smooth sailing. Family health challenges tested our strength and patience but also deepened our gratitude. Through specialist visits, recovery days, and moments of worry and hope, we were reminded how precious good health – and good support – truly are. Later in the year, we received some good health news that felt like a collective sigh of relief – a reminder to celebrate small victories. Then a fractured wrist in late November that threw a spanner in the works, but we managed.

2025 saw James and I celebrate 19 years of marriage – nearly two decades of laughter, growth, and shared adventures. It was also six years without Mum, and that anniversary brought quiet reflection. Grief changes shape over time – it softens, but it never truly leaves. Remembering her continues to ground me, especially during moments of change and celebration.

Another milestone was K starting at Indie School – a big step filled with pride, nerves, and excitement. Watching them find their rhythm has been one of the most rewarding parts of the year.

After six years of helping with foster caring for Just Cats, 2025 became the year to pause. It was bittersweet stepping back, but the break has offered time to rest, refocus, and prepare for what’s next.

Open journal beside a mug of hot chocolate & marshmallows and lit candle

Creativity, Community & Connection

Despite everything, creativity remained a steady companion. Whether through journaling, photography, or small creative projects, art became a lifeline – a reminder to notice beauty even in hard seasons.

I’ve found my creative community this year – people who get it, who understand the quiet magic of making and storytelling. I also helped facilitate some creative sessions for local youth, watching them light up with ideas and confidence. That sense of connection – community and creativity interwoven – has been one of the greatest gifts of the year.

And of course, coaching school hockey again was another highlight. Watching my Division 2 kids bring home another Country Gold win made my heart burst. Standing on the sideline, watching them give it their all, reminded me of what resilience really looks like.

Lessons from 2025

🕯️ Rest is a form of resistance. Slowing down doesn’t mean giving up – it means honouring what I need.
🌸 The small things matter. A tidy corner, a cup of tea, a handmade gift, a quiet walk – these are the real treasures.
🌕 Creativity doesn’t need an audience to be valid.
🔥 The magic is always in the ordinary – you just have to notice it.
❤️ Health is everything. Never take a good day for granted.
🌱 Learning keeps you young. It’s never too late to start something new.
🌧️ Grief and love coexist. They shape who we are and how we grow.
🌾 Change requires courage. Keep moving forward, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Intentions for 2026

As 2026 begins, my focus is balance – the sweet spot between doing and being, creating and resting, giving and receiving. I want the year to feel sustainable, intentional, and joy-filled.

🌻 Simplify. Less clutter, less chaos, more breathing space.
🌻 Create freely. Keep making, writing, and experimenting without pressure or perfectionism.
🌻 Nurture the home. Continue weaving creativity and comfort through our little house and garden.
🌻 Honour the cycles. Of the moon, the seasons, my body, and the energy that flows through it all.
🌻 Stay true. To my own pace, my values, and the way I see the world.

There are specific goals I’ve set for the year ahead – some big, some beautifully small – but I’ll share those in an upcoming post once they’ve had more time to settle.

Here’s to 2026: a year of purpose, peace, and possibility. May it bring learning, laughter, creativity, and connection – and may we all remember that even on the messy days, we’re right where we need to be.

With love from the Den,

– Nightwolf 🐺

Change Your Life 2.0 – December update

December has officially wrapped up, and with it comes my Month 3 review for Change Your Life 2.0. The last few weeks brought the full range of end-of-year energy—festive moments, unexpected challenges, and small wins that reminded me how far I’ve come.

Physical Goals Progress

Walking

Although I didn’t reach the same kilometres as November, I stayed consistent with my walking routine throughout the month. With holidays, heat, and life getting busier, maintaining the habit felt like a win all on its own. It hit my 150km and then some, so I am really pleased.

Water Intake

Hydration continues to improve. Keeping my large water bottle by the bed still works perfectly – I drink water first thing every morning. My 600ml desk bottle has become part of my daily rhythm, helping keep water front-of-mind even on hectic days. Still drink too much Coke though. I’ll keep working on that

Cooking More From Scratch

December brought a good balance of homemade meals and simple holiday-season shortcuts. I’m still enjoying the creative flow of cooking from scratch, and it’s made festive eating feel more grounded and intentional. We’re using our Thermomix a lot more to help us make more from scratch – sauces, jams, spice mixes, pantry staples.

Mental Health & Well-being

Sleep

My 10:30 pm bedtime goal slipped a bit this month – fairly typical for December! Between warmer nights, holiday activities, and the ongoing challenge of J’s wrist recovery, sleep wasn’t as consistent. Still, I’m giving myself grace as things slowly settle.

Self-Care & Reading

I’m continuing Lessons from the Empress: A Tarot Workbook for Self-Care and Creative Growth. With uni wrapped for the year, I finally have more room to breathe, reflect, and enjoy the process. I’m hoping to finish it early in the new year as part of my reset.

Study Update

I’m officially finished for the year!

My last exam was in early December, and stepping into study break has felt amazing.

Social

The date-night list didn’t happen again – December simply had too much going on -but that’s something I’d like to revisit in the new year.

Our outing for the month was our yearly Christmas dinner with friends. Always a great night out with some great food & great people.

Decluttering Wins

Digital clutter was a big focus this month. I continued my slow but steady organisation of my laptop, deleting old files and categorising everything I wanted to keep.

I also managed to get all my in-boxes to zero. An unexpected and very welcome end-of-year achievement!

I’ve also been working on the bedroom declutter & included it in my end of year Reset Week

Looking Ahead

December felt like a month of holding steady: maintaining habits, navigating challenges, and making space where I could. Heading into the new year, I’m excited to keep building on the foundations I’ve set.

From Art for Change to Christmas Whimsy: Two Recent Exhibitions

The past season has been one of deep reflection, creative vulnerability, and joyful expression, with my work featured in two very different but equally meaningful exhibitions. Each show invited a unique response – one rooted in advocacy and hope, the other in celebration and tradition – and together they represent the breadth of my current creative practice.

Today, I’m sharing the stories behind these works, the intentions that shaped them, and what it meant to place such personal pieces into public spaces.

Exhibition One: Art for Change

Launceston Library | 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

The Art for Change exhibition was held at Launceston Library as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence – a powerful global campaign calling for awareness, education, and action.

The exhibition brief invited artists to create a “future you” person – a representation of what we hope for ourselves, our communities, and the world ahead.

My first piece focused on envisioning a future version of myself grounded in safety, confidence, and self-worth. It was shaped by the idea that imagining a future is, in itself, an act of resistance and hope – especially for those who have lived through violence or trauma.

Words I Wish I Had Heard

My second piece was deeply personal: a canvas decorated with butterflies and carefully chosen quotes – words I would have loved to have heard during the time I was in a domestic violence situation.

Butterflies, often symbols of transformation and resilience, became a visual anchor for this work. The quotes were selected to offer gentleness, validation, and strength – not just for my past self, but for anyone standing in front of the piece who might need encouragement.

My hope is that this work offered:

A moment of recognition
A sense of being seen and believed
Courage to imagine something more

If even one person felt less alone because of it, then the work has done what it needed to do.

Butterfly artwork with inspirational quotes about healing and courage

Exhibition Two: Christmas Traditions Near & Far

George Town Council Pop-up Christmas Exhibition
Jim Mooney Gallery, George Town

The second exhibition invited a completely different creative energy. Hosted by the George Town Council, the Pop-up Christmas Exhibition explored the theme:

“Christmas Traditions Near & Far invites you to share what the festive season means to you, whether it is a family ritual, a cultural celebration, or a local tradition that brings people together.”

For this exhibition, I leaned into playfulness, whimsy, and visual joy, creating two framed acrylic works titled A Whimsy Christmas.

A Whimsy Christmas – Green

The first piece features a green palette knife–painted background, rich with texture and movement, layered with two silver reindeer. The work reflects the magic and quiet wonder that often accompanies the festive season – moments of pause, sparkle, and imagination.

A Whimsy Christmas – Red

The second piece uses a red palette knife–painted background, bold and festive, paired with a silver whimsical branch adorned with black and silver decorations. This work celebrates the decorative rituals of Christmas — trimming branches, hanging ornaments, and creating spaces that feel warm and inviting.

Together, these pieces speak to Christmas as a time of creativity, tradition, and small moments of joy — whether celebrated loudly or quietly.

Christmas art exhibition at Jim Mooney Gallery, George Town

Holding Space for Both Healing and Celebration

What struck me most about exhibiting these works so close together was how clearly they reflect the dual nature of my creative practice.

Art can be:

A tool for advocacy and healing
A space for softness and celebration
A bridge between lived experience and shared connection

From deeply emotional storytelling to festive whimsy, both exhibitions reminded me that creativity doesn’t need to fit neatly into one box – it simply needs to be honest.

What’s Next in the Creative Den

These exhibitions have left me feeling both grounded and inspired. New ideas are already forming, shaped by reflection, courage, and a desire to keep telling stories that matter – whether they speak to survival, tradition, or everyday magic.

Thank you for being here and for supporting art that holds space for truth, transformation, and joy.

Celebrating the Wheel of the Year – Summer Solstice

Celebrating the Wheel of the Year - Southern Hemisphere Style.
Summer Solstice. December 21st

🌞 Summer Solstice in Australia – Embracing the Longest Day

What is the Summer Solstice?

The Summer Solstice, also known as Litha, marks the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Southern Hemisphere = usually falling around December 21st–22nd.
It’s a celebration of light, vitality, abundance, and the height of solar power. The Earth is alive with growth, fruitfulness, and joy.

For many Pagan and Wiccan traditions, this is a time to honour the Sun God at his peak strength before his gradual decline toward the darker half of the year.

Other Names for the Summer Solstice Sabbat

Litha (Wiccan and modern Pagan traditions)
Midsummer (Old European and Anglo-Saxon traditions)
Alban Hefin (Druidic traditions, meaning “The Light of the Shore”)
Feast of the Sun
Solstice Festival

Deities Honoured at Litha

The Summer Solstice is rich with solar and fertility deities. Common ones include:

Ra (Egyptian) – the Sun God who rides his chariot across the sky
Helios or Apollo (Greek) – gods of light, healing, and prophecy
Amaterasu (Japanese) – the radiant goddess of the sun
Baldur (Norse) – god of light, joy, and purity
Aine (Celtic) – goddess of love, fertility, and summer
The Oak King – representing the waxing year, who now gives way to the Holly King, ruler of the waning year

Colours of the Summer Solstice

Surround yourself with vibrant, sun-soaked tones that mirror the energy of the season:

Gold and yellow – for sunlight and abundance
Red and orange – for vitality and warmth
Green – for growth and fertility
Blue – for clear summer skies and water energy

Symbols of Litha

These symbols can be used in altars, decorations, or rituals:

Sun wheels or solar discs
Bonfires or candles (especially golden or orange)
Oak leaves and flowers
Honeybees and butterflies
Fruits, herbs, and summer blooms
Wreaths and garlands

Traditional Foods and Drinks

Feasting is a key part of celebrating the Summer Solstice – think fresh, seasonal, and full of colour.

Foods:

Summer fruits: berries, peaches, melons, mangoes
Fresh salads and grilled vegetables
Honey cakes or biscuits
Bread, cheeses, and light picnic fare
Barbecue dishes (a very Aussie twist!)

Drinks:

Iced herbal teas (mint, chamomile, or lemon balm)
Fruit punch or sangria
Mead or honey-infused drinks
Citrus water with fresh herbs

Ways to Celebrate the Summer Solstice in Australia

There’s no one “right” way to celebrate – it’s about embracing the energy of light, warmth, and gratitude. Here are some ideas:

Watch the Sunrise or Sunset
Welcome the sun with intention. Sunrise rituals honour new beginnings, while sunset ceremonies express gratitude for abundance.
Create a Sun Altar
Decorate with gold candles, flowers, fruit, and symbols of the sun. Include offerings of honey, wine, or bread.
Light a Bonfire (or Candle)
Fire represents the height of the sun’s power. If you can’t have a bonfire, gather around candles or fairy lights.
Host a Garden Picnic or Barbecue
Celebrate outdoors with loved ones, sharing seasonal foods and laughter.
Craft Solar Charms
Use sun symbols, herbs, and ribbons in red or gold to make charms for vitality and good fortune.
Perform a Cleansing or Renewal Ritual
Use water (the ocean, river, or even a bowl at home) to cleanse away old energy and invite new beginnings.
Journal and Reflect
Ask yourself:
- What has grown in my life this year?
- What do I wish to nurture through the coming months?
- How can I carry the warmth of this season into my heart and home?

🌸 Connecting Litha and Beltane

You might notice that Litha (Summer Solstice) and Beltane (around October 31st–November 1st in the Southern Hemisphere) share similar joyful, passionate energies.
While Beltane celebrates fertility, union, and the spark of life, Litha represents that spark in full bloom — the height of power and vitality.

If you want to carry Beltane-style celebrations into Litha, try:

Dancing around a mini Maypole or creating flower crowns
Sharing music, laughter, and love in the open air
Honouring both fire and water – passion and peace – for balance
Decorating your space with flowers, ribbons, and solar symbols

These acts keep the Beltane fire alive through the warmth of midsummer.

Christmas list

Originally posted here in 2008. Updating it for 2025.

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

Wrapping paper or gift bags? Gift bags, much easier

Real tree or Artificial? Still artificial

When do you put up the tree? 1st December

When do you take the tree down? Recently it’s Boxing Day or the 27th December

Do you like eggnog? Not really

Favourite gift received as a child? Still the dolls house my dad built me. It’s now with my youngest niece.

Hardest person to buy for? Everyone.

Easiest person to buy for? Hubby

Do you have a nativity scene? a tiny one from Mexico that hangs on the tree

Mail or email Christmas cards? Neither. Usually it’s a text or social media post.

Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Honestly can’t think of one

Favourite Christmas Movie? Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas

When do you start shopping for Christmas? Boxing day sales. I’m getting better at putting things away through the year.

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yeah

Favourite thing about Christmas? Still the food. Nothing beats fresh seafood, salads and a roast turkey

Lights on the tree? Yes

Favourite Christmas song? Carol of the Bells. This version by Trans Siberian Orchestra is still my favourite. I also love their song Christmas Eve / Sarajevo

Travel at Christmas or stay home? Prefer to stay home but travel is as far as Dad’s or the in-laws. Sometimes the other end of the state if we’re spending Christmas with my brother.

Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer’s?
Rudolph, Dasher, Donner, Blitzen, Comet, Prancer…..um that’s all I can think of (without the help of Google lol)

Angel on the tree top or a star? It’s a weeping angel from Doctor Who

Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We let the kids open one on Christmas Eve & the rest on Christmas morning

Most annoying thing about this time of the year? The crowds when you go shopping & Mariah Carey

Favourite ornament theme or colour? Still love anything silver or purple.

Favourite Thing for Christmas dinner? Turkey & cranberry sauce

What do you want for Christmas this year? Lego botanicals, Bunnings gift cards, sleep

Snow Christmas morning? Wishful thinking – it’s summer here. Though it did nearly happen a few years back.

Nightwolf’s Den 2026 Update: Merging Nightwolf Crafts & A New Creative Direction

When I first started Nightwolf’s Den back in 2007, it was a simple space – a place to write, to explore thoughts, and to carve out something personal in a noisy digital world.

Over the years, both the blog and I have grown, shifted, and evolved. One of those evolutions was the creation of my separate craft blog, Nightwolf Crafts, a space dedicated solely to making, tutorials, and creative projects. But as 2026 approaches, it’s become clear that it doesn’t need to stand apart anymore.

So, as part of this new chapter, Nightwolf Crafts will be closing, and all its content will be returning home – absorbed back into Nightwolf’s Den, where it all originally began. A full announcement and details can be found here.

This post is about what’s changing, why it matters, and what you can expect next.

Why Nightwolf’s Den Is Changing in 2026

This isn’t a reboot. It’s a refinement.

The internet moves fast, attention is scattered, and shallow content is everywhere. I don’t want this blog – or any of my creative spaces – to contribute to that noise.

Instead, 2026 marks the start of something more intentional: clearer purpose, more grounded writing, and a stronger, more cohesive experience for readers, especially now that all my creative work is returning under one roof.

What to Expect From Nightwolf’s Den in 2026

In the year ahead, you’ll begin to see:

Deeper, more intentional writing focused on clarity, meaning, and quiet reflection
Craft and creative content from Nightwolf Crafts seamlessly integrated into the blog
Updated and refreshed older posts so they stay useful and relevant
New content formats, including creative experiments and behind-the-scenes reflections
A cleaner, more comfortable reading experience across desktop and mobile

The heart of Nightwolf’s Den isn’t changing – it’s being clarified and reunited with the parts of me that once lived on a separate site.

How This Blog Is Evolving (Without Losing Its Soul)

I’ve always believed good writing should feel grounded, honest, and worth your time.

This evolution isn’t about chasing trends or algorithms. It’s about slowing down, going deeper, and creating work that feels real – to me, and hopefully to you.

Nightwolf’s Den has always been a quiet place to think. In 2026, it becomes a stronger, more complete one.

Thank You to Long-Time Readers and New Visitors

To those who’ve been here since the early days: thank you.
To those just discovering this place: I’m truly glad you’re here.

The den is changing – but the fire is still burning.

And I’m excited to see where this next chapter takes us.

— Nightwolf

Change Your Life 2.0 – November Update

November has wrapped up, and it’s time for my Month 2 review for Change Your Life 2.0. It’s been a full month – some wins, some setbacks, and a lot of learning along the way.

Physical Goals Progress

WALKING – I reached my goal of 120 km for the month for the Workout 4 Women challenge – plus a little extra on top! It feels good to see the consistency paying off.

WATER INTAKE – Hydration has been a big focus. I’ve increased my daily water intake by keeping my large bottle next to my bed so I can drink first thing in the morning. I also keep a 600ml bottle on my desk, which reminds me to sip throughout the day.

COOKING MORE FROM SCRATCH – Still going strong here. Lots more meals from scratch, and I’m genuinely loving the process. It’s helping with both health and creativity.

Mental Health & Wellbeing

SLEEP – I’ve been aiming for a 10:30 pm bedtime, and most nights I’ve hit it. Fridays and Saturdays often drift later, but that’s life.

Then everything went sideways when J had a fall and broke his wrist.
There was a 2am bedtime the night it happened, and sleep stayed fragmented for the rest of the month – neither of us slept well while we were worried about his cast.

READING & SELF-CARE LEARNING – I started Lessons from the Empress: A Tarot Workbook for Self-Care and Creative Growth. With uni wrapping up in early December, I’m hoping to finish it before the end of the year.

Study Update

I’m officially on study break!
There’s just one exam in the first week of December, and then I’m done for the year.

We had a lot happening at home, so I didn’t get a chance to work on the date-night list. Hopefully next month brings more space for that.

This month’s activity, though, was a good one: a day trip to Hobart to watch the Tassie Tigers take on the Perth Thundersticks in the Hockey One tournament at the Tas Hockey Centre. A fun reset!

Digital Decluttering Wins

I managed to get started on a digital tidy-up, beginning with my laptop’s internal drives. I deleted unwanted files and properly sorted the ones I wanted to keep.

Even better?
I reached Inbox Zero in two email inboxes. It feels so good clearing digital clutter before the new year.

With love from the Den,

– Nightwolf 🐺