For as long as humans have used calendars, about 4,000 years, the approach of a new year has inspired in us a sense of renewal — a chance to put things in order as the current year ends and look forward to the approaching new year.
With Christmas behind us and a week left in the current year, it’s a great time to make tax-deductible donations to nonprofits. It’s the last chance to reduce tax liability for the current year while providing much-needed funding for so many nonprofits that serve our community. A reminder: Not all donations to nonprofits or charities are tax-deductible. That doesn’t mean the work those groups do is not worthy of support, but if you want to get a tax break for donations, you have to contribute to those that have tax-deductible status.
Another important thing to remember is that year-end giving is also the target of less-than-reputable organizations — outright scams — or nonprofits that direct smaller amounts of those donations to the causes they purport to support.
The best way to sort it out is by visiting the Mississippi Secretary of State’s website, which lists all registered charities in the state as well as links to charity watchdog organizations such as BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, CharityWatch and GuideStar, among others, that provide information on charitable giving.
If you are of a mind to give, we encourage you to support the many trusted charities and nonprofits in your community.
Aside from donations, the days that remain in the current year are a good time to settle old affairs, tidy up and prepare for the clean slate the new year provides.
For many, that means thinking ahead to the new year and what they want to achieve. Roughly 30% to 45% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, with recent figures showing around 31% for 2026, though this varies slightly by year and poll, with younger adults (under 45) being significantly more likely to set goals (around 43% to 50%) than older adults (around 21%). Health (exercise, diet) and finances (saving money) consistently top the list of goals.
While the success rates are low, with only about 10%, many others will make some progress toward their goals and will be better off for the effort.
Just the act of making New Year’s resolutions is important because it offers a chance for reflection and creates a roadmap for a more fulfilling life through intentional living.
It is certainly a healthy thing, emotionally, physically and spiritually, to turn our attention to self-improvement. It adds purpose to the mundane aspects of daily life. We are happier when we feel we are moving toward some positive goal.
So let’s get 2025 squared away and set our sights for a satisfying and happy 2026.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
