A New Year's Message from Melissa
Dearest Community,
By now, you’ve likely seen the usual New Year messages — invitations to reset, set goals, make resolutions, reinvent ourselves...
And while I love a fresh start as much as anyone, today I'm inviting you to hit pause on the resolutions, and take a moment for reflection — not on what needs to change, but on everything you're already doing right.
The care you give. The patience you've found. The quiet strength you've offered. The traditions you've carried. The meals you've prepared for others — all the simple, beautiful ways you already show up for the people you love (and for yourself, too).
There’s so much talk about what to do better next year. But today, I hope you’ll thank yourself for the woman you've already become.
I’m so grateful to be walking alongside this community of strong, thoughtful women. You remind me—over and over again—that showing up with heart matters.
And, I'd love it if you would share with me in the comments below, some of the things — great and small — that you've done beautifully in this past year.
Here’s to carrying that into whatever comes next.
With love,
Melissa
P.S. Click below to find all the recipes from our New Year's Eve grazing table, and be sure to watch our very special year-in-review video!
59 comments
This year was a year of reflection on what really matters and being intentional about keeping those items in the forefront of my life, mind, and rhythms. The year began with the loss of my father-in-law. I was given the privilege of spending hours with him during his final month and finding peace, love and forgiveness. This led to understanding the power of forgiveness and gratitude.
2026 will bring on more reflection, action, and time to really make our house a home that is inviting not just for guests but for us as a family!
This year, I have done better at managing stress. Since losing my dad, two years ago, I care for my mom, which isn’t always easy, because she is super depressed. Anyway, I try exercise, and meditation so I don’t also get depressed. It always cheers my mom (and me)up when I show her Melissa’s videos. She will always have something of Laura in her spirit, and it shines through like a beacon in the datrkness for those who need it.
What have I done beautifully in 2025…
1. Loved on my kids and grandkids when we were all together for my granddaughter’s high school graduation in Maryland. Getting my little family in the same place at the same time it is such a blessing.
2. Excelled at my job while dealing with terrible back pain that was fixed by surgery in October, thank the Good Lord!
3. Made the decision to retire (exactly 3 months from today). Cannot wait!
I love being part of this wonderful community of awesome women! I look forward to being more engaged here once I enter retirement-land.
Thank you, Melissa and Nicole, for creating this space for all of us.
Happy New Year, everyone! Here’s to an amazing 2026.
I love being part of the Modern Prairie community. I lost my mom to heart disease on Jan 1st which will be 11 years tomorrow. Little House on the Prairie was one of her favorite tv shows. I also grew up watching the show. Watching the episodes is like being with my mom again, but they are emotionally hard to watch sometimes.This past October, I got to meet Dean Butler at a fan convention. He is so kind and he is such a sweetheart! It is a special memory that will stay with me always. I know that my mom would have loved to have met him too. Thank you Melissa and the Modern Prairie team for continuing the beautiful work in the community and thank you Melissa for carrying the love and the spirit of Little House.
I enjoyed the Little House rewind events and look forward to seeing more in the new year. Happy New Year Melissa!