Celebrate New Year 2026 with Barefoot Celebrant's Unique Rituals

It’s time to reflect on the joys of the year just gone and letting go of those things that don’t serve you anymore as we transition into 2026.

Rituals help me celebrate, and be grateful for life in all its expression, they remind me that sacredness is threaded through the mundane, allow me to honour something greater than myself and bind my connections with others and nature.

Having lived in Darwin for over 25 years I have developed few rituals to help me transition into and celebrate the new year.

Firstly, I farewell the current year by raising a toast as the sun sets with family and friends and a chance to share the highs and lows of 2025. We were blessed with spectacularly sunset this year which perfectly captured the mood.

Sun setting on 2025 - Dripstone Cliffs, Darwin

Next, I dance in the new year marking the transition. I love the excited energy that flows as we move from one year to the next. The possibilities are endless as a new year starts and I am particularly excited about expanding my role as a celebrant in 2026.

Potted seedlings for 2026 - Bush Cordia, Bush Peach, Native Peanut, and Yellow Cloud Tree

Lastly on the first few days of the new year I take time to pot up seedling and plant trees in recognition of the growing season in the Top End as the monsoon rains settle in. This year I created a selection of 4 native species which will contribute to community garden projects in Darwin and Mandjawuy as the year progresses.

How did you celebrate the turning of the year?