What is this tradition of making New Year’s resolutions in France?
Every year, on January 1st, you hear this famous question: “And you, what are your New Year’s resolutions this year?” But why this ritual? Why is this specific moment of the year associated with the idea of change and renewal?
Making resolutions is like starting fresh. The New Year is seen as a blank slate, a perfect moment to turn the page on mistakes, bad habits, or disappointments from the past year. This symbolic transition invites us to reflect on what we have accomplished and what we would like to improve. It’s a bit like pressing a reset button in our lives.
New Year’s resolutions also allow us to dream, to envision a better version of ourselves. They give us direction, a goal to achieve, whether it’s exercising more, eating better, spending more time with loved ones, or embarking on a new project. In reality, they are much more than simple promises: they reflect our desire for progress, our search for meaning, and our need for renewal.
Moreover, there is a collective aspect to this tradition. We share our resolutions with loved ones, discuss them at work or over a meal. This creates a group dynamic where everyone is encouraged to reflect on their own goals. By sharing our aspirations, we motivate each other, get inspired by others’ ideas, and sometimes find allies to move forward together.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be massive goals or radical transformations. Sometimes, small actions are enough: reading more books, taking time to walk each day, or learning a new French expression every week. These small, regular, and achievable actions can have the greatest impact on our well-being and personal satisfaction.
So, even if many resolutions don’t last beyond February, the simple act of formulating them is already a step toward change. It’s a way to set intentions, reflect on what is important to us, and imagine a version of ourselves that’s a bit closer to our aspirations. And that’s already a very good start.
The origin of making New Year’s resolutions in France
This tradition is not new! It has its roots in antiquity, at a time when the transition to a new year was already a key moment for civilizations. Among the Babylonians, more than 4,000 years ago, the New Year was celebrated in spring, a period synonymous with renewal and fertility. During these festivities, called Akitu, the Babylonians made promises to their gods to ensure a good harvest, return borrowed tools, honor their debts, or improve their behavior. These commitments were not merely symbolic: they were taken very seriously, as failing to keep them could attract divine wrath.
Centuries later, the Romans adopted this idea, adapting it to their own beliefs. With Julius Caesar in 46 BCE, the Julian calendar established January 1st as the start of the year. This month, dedicated to the god Janus, the deity of beginnings and transitions, offered an ideal opportunity to look back and forward. Janus, depicted with two faces—one turned toward the past and the other toward the future—perfectly embodied this idea of reflection and renewal. The Romans used this moment to make sacrifices to Janus and promise to become better people in the year to come.
Over the centuries, with the advent of Christianity, this practice evolved. The New Year became a time to repent for sins, reflect on past actions, and make moral commitments to improve. However, these resolutions were more oriented toward religious or community obligations.
Over time, this custom gradually became secularized. From the 18th century, particularly in Europe and America, the focus shifted toward more personal and individual goals. Today, the idea of making New Year’s resolutions is universal and less tied to religious traditions. It fits into a context of personal development, where this symbolic moment is used to reflect on what can be improved in one’s life.
Whether it’s to honor promises to gods or to work on oneself, the spirit remains the same: the New Year is an opportunity to start fresh, erase past mistakes, and propel oneself forward with confidence and motivation.
What New Year’s resolutions will the French make for 2025?
For 2025, the French will not lack ambition and seek to balance their daily lives while setting realistic goals. Here are some of the resolutions that are expected to mark this new year:
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Exercising more
The classic "I’m signing up for the gym" makes a strong comeback every January! In 2025, the French aim to stay more active, whether to improve their physical fitness, mental health, or simply to feel good in their bodies. New trends like HIIT, online yoga, or Nordic walking are becoming increasingly popular.
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Eating better
With growing interest in sustainable eating, batch cooking (preparing meals for the week in advance), or balanced diets, the French want to cook more often at home. Say goodbye to ready-made meals! Fresh, local, and seasonal products are being prioritized. The number of people embracing organic food and homemade meals continues to rise.
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Reducing stress
Stress management has become a priority. Whether through practices like meditation, yoga sessions, or simply taking digital breaks, the French want to disconnect and refocus on what matters. Some are also turning to apps dedicated to mental well-being.
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Traveling more
After years of restrictions and uncertainties, traveling has become a priority again. Whether it’s exploring an overlooked region in France, venturing across Europe, or flying to distant destinations, the French aspire to escape. Eco-tourism trips and adventures in nature are also gaining ground.
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Learning a new language
Improving in a foreign language or starting a new one is a popular resolution. For expatriates, learning French, Spanish for travel lovers, or even Chinese for those looking to diversify their professional skills: language learning is a way to open up to the world.
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Saving money
With inflation and recent economic challenges, many French people are aiming to manage their finances better in 2025. Reducing unnecessary expenses, saving more, and learning to invest wisely are key concerns. Some are adopting methods like budgeting or “no-spend months.”
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Spending more time with loved ones
After years of distanced relationships, many want to reconnect with family and friends. Organizing convivial meals, sharing simple moments, or giving importance to small group pleasures are among the resolutions the French hope to achieve.
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Committing to the environment
Increasingly aware of environmental issues, the French want to reduce their carbon footprint in 2025. This involves simple actions: reducing plastic use, favoring public transport or cycling, and consuming more responsibly.
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Starting a personal or professional project
Whether it’s writing a book, launching a small business, or simply changing careers, 2025 is the year many want to take the leap. Coaching platforms and personal development workshops are there to support these ambitions.
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Setting learning goals
Whether it’s taking an online course, learning a musical instrument, or developing a new skill, continuous learning remains a priority for many. This can also include learning French for non-native speakers!
In 2025, the French seem to aspire to a more balanced lifestyle, focused on well-being, simplicity, and sustainability. What will your resolutions be for this new year? 🎉
A good resolution is like a compass: it guides you, motivates you, and reminds you of what you want to achieve. Without goals, we risk getting caught up in routine or losing sight of our deeper aspirations.
Let’s take the example of learning French. Setting precise resolutions can transform a vague desire into concrete and effective actions. Imagine:
- “I will listen to a French podcast every day during my commute.”
- “Every week, I will write a journal in French to practice.”
- “I will learn 10 new words a day and use them in sentences.”
These resolutions give you clear direction, but they do more than that: they create momentum. Each time you achieve one of these small goals, you feel a sense of satisfaction that drives you to continue. You make progress, and you see your growth day by day. This not only strengthens your French skills but also your self-confidence.
Moreover, making resolutions allows you to reconnect with your dreams and ambitions. In 2025, why not integrate learning French into a broader vision: traveling to France, communicating with French speakers, or gaining a deeper understanding of French culture? These resolutions, firmly rooted in a life project, will become powerful motivators to move forward.
