How will you be spending the countdown this year?
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY GETTY
There’s that old saying: “Start as you mean to go on.” If you’ve already got your evening plans in place, here’s what they could predict about how you’ll be spending the next 12 months.
You weep uncontrollably while eating grapes under the table
Look, we’ve all been there. You’ve promised yourself you wouldn’t get too drunk, but here you are, clutching a handful of grapes because someone on TikTok said it would give you good luck when dating in the new year. Chances are, the grapes won’t help that much. In 2026, you need to focus on being okay with your single status. Embrace the independence and the chance to work out who you are without someone else. It’s likely that by knowing yourself better, you’ll be able to find the person you’ve been waiting for. Get out from under the table and join the party.
You kiss a stranger at midnight
Your 2026 is set to be one of impulsive decisions, maybe a bit of chaos, but a lot of fun. You’re embracing silliness and “doing it for the plot”. It’s important that while you continue to have a few spontaneous snogs on the dancefloor in 2026, you also check in with yourself. Are you happy? Are you drinking too much? Are you making decisions that you might regret the next day? As long as you’re not hurting anyone, embrace this time.
You finally message the person you’ve been crushing on
The clock strikes midnight. You’re feeling a rush of endorphins. You’ve typed the message before you can think about what you’re doing. Whether you’ll end up with this crush isn’t really the important thing here. Your 2026 is all about advocating for what you want. It’s about listening to your desires and telling yourself it’s okay to follow them. Trust your gut – it will take you to new places this year.
You spend the evening at home with your closest friends playing games
The idea of going to a nightclub filled with hundreds of sweaty bodies just doesn’t do it for you. Instead, you’ve spent your evening with your nearest and dearest, giggling away while you’re playing Twister. It’s likely that your 2026 will be filled with memories with your chosen family. Through the good and the bad times, you know you’ll always have this group to rely on when you need them most.
You get an early night in to carpe diem New Year’s Day
You don’t care about fireworks, midnight kisses or trying to call a taxi at 3 am. Instead, you’re ready to become the best version of yourself this 2026. You’ve already decided what hobbies you’re going to pick up, what resolutions to make and what you want your life to look like. While it’s 100% possible you’re going to achieve this, remember to keep some perspective in mind. It’s okay to have peaks and troughs in your year. Not every day will be one where you feel like a winner.
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