New Year Letter to Yourself: 5 Examples to Inspire Yours

The easiest way to write a New Year letter to yourself is to read a few first. Below are five example letters, each written for a different kind of year, with a note on why it works. Borrow the structure, not the words: the best letters are full of details only you would know.

Example 1: The snapshot letter

Dear me,

It's 31 December and I'm writing this in bed with the heating on full. This year I walked to work most days, learned to make one decent curry, and read eleven books, which is ten more than last year.

Right now I'm worried about money and excited about the trip in March. Mum calls on Sundays. The neighbours' dog still barks at 7am.

By next New Year I hope you've been to Porto, still cook on Fridays, and found a way to worry less about things you can't change.

Are you still in this flat?

Why it works: it is full of small, concrete details (the heating, the curry, the dog) that will be fascinating to read in a year, and it ends with a simple question.

Example 2: The letter after a hard year

Dear me,

This year was hard. Losing Grandad in April changed everything for a while, and work didn't leave much room to grieve. I'm not going to pretend it was a good year.

But some things held: Sam drove four hours to sit with me, I kept going to the pool, and I started sleeping properly again in October.

If next year is also hard, remember that you got through this one. Call Sam. Go swimming. Ask for help earlier than you think you need it.

I hope you're laughing more by the time you read this.

Why it works: it is honest without being bleak, it records what helped, and it leaves practical advice for a difficult day.

Example 3: The letter before a big change

Dear me,

In three weeks we move to Manchester. The boxes are half packed and I keep finding things I forgot I owned. I'm nervous about the new job and sad about leaving everyone here.

Predictions for next year: I'll miss the sea more than I expect. I'll make at least two real friends. The job will be harder for the first six months, then fine.

Was the move the right call? What's your favourite place in the city now? Did you keep in touch with Priya and Tom?

Why it works: predictions and direct questions turn the letter into a conversation, and checking them a year later is the best part.

Example 4: The gratitude letter

Dear me,

Before this year ends I want to write down what I'm thankful for, because I'll forget.

Dad's recovery. The Saturday mornings at the market with Lena. The colleague who covered for me in June without being asked. Finally finishing the course. The fact that I can still run five kilometres.

Next year I want to say thank you out loud more often, especially to Lena.

What are you grateful for now?

Why it works: gratitude lists are pleasant to write and even better to read later, when you can see which of those things are still part of your life.

Example 5: The short letter

Dear me, this year was mostly good. I hope next year you're kinder to yourself and less tired. Don't forget how happy you were in August by the lake. Did you go back?

Why it works: four sentences cover the past, a hope, a memory and a question. If you only have five minutes, write this one.

What do good New Year letter examples have in common?

• Specific details. Names, places, small habits. Generic lines like "I hope you're happy" are fine, but details are what you will treasure.
• Hopes, not resolutions. They wish the future self well instead of setting targets.
• Kindness. None of them scold. They read like a letter from a friend.
• A question at the end. It turns the letter into a conversation across the year.

Write yours

Pick the example closest to your year and use its structure. If you get stuck, our 50 prompts for a New Year letter will help. When you're done, seal it and choose when it arrives: halfway through the year, or next New Year's Day.