Ringing in 2026 in Speech Therapy

Happy 2026! I love the feeling of starting fresh in January every year. Goals and resolutions can make a great topic of discussion with school-aged children and teens. It’s also worth exploring the various traditions around the world to ring in the new year.

Some traditions include:

• Eating 12 grapes consecutively at midnight in Spain (I’ve tried this–it’s pretty tough!).
  

• Smashing plates in Denmark, which is believed to bring good luck.
  

• Painting doors red and wearing red in China. Red is associated with good luck in Chinese culture.
  

• Throwing pomegranates in Armenia. The pomegranate is a symbol of the heart in Armenian culture, and the tradition symbolizes good health.

  
  

After this discussion, children can be asked if they have any fun New Year’s traditions in their families and/or cultures, as well as which of these traditions they’d most like to try. Then, students can share goals for 2026 if they would like.

Readers: What are your favorite New Year’s traditions? Do you make any resolutions?

About the Author: Melissa Goff, M.S, CCC-SLP, is the owner of Sunflower Speech & Myo Therapy, PLLC, in Charlotte, NC.