What’s your word of the year?

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Before catching up with you, I wanted to bring attention to my dear friend, Dorothy, from the recipe site Shockingly Delicious. She experienced an unimaginable loss this past week when her home of 38 years was destroyed in the California fires. Her son, a firefighter, bravely narrated his experience walking through the devastation of their family home. It’s hard to comprehend the pain and loss they are enduring right now.

My heart goes out to everyone impacted by the fires. If you’d like to send aid to those in need, GoFundMe has put together a Wildfire Relief Fund to send relief directly to those affected by the fires. You can find it here: Wildfire Relief Fund 2025.

Additionally, if you would like to help Dorothy, trying and sharing her recipes is a great way to help her directly. One of my favorites is her Apple Crisp with Streusel Topping – it’s simply delicious and perfect for this time of year. You can find it here: Apple Crisp with Streusel Topping. At times like these, it’s important that we rally around one another and share love in any way possible. Thank you for any and all help you’re able to give.

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Leaving the first official week of January behind, I am filled with anticipation and gratitude for what the year ahead holds for us as a community. Every January, in addition to celebrating Sunday Supper Month, I choose a word to guide my intentions and actions throughout the year.

For 2025, my word of the year is “strength”. Strength is a powerful and versatile word. It reminds me to stay grounded in what matters most: family, friendship, and the joy of gathering around the table together. It’s about fostering resilience, building stronger connections, and continuing to grow the Sunday Supper Movement in ways that inspire and uplift.

Ron and I have already kicked off the year with a perfect dose of that strength—by reconnecting with our dear friends Paul and Karen. Spending time with old friends is truly good for the soul. Sitting together, reminiscing about cherished memories while creating new ones, was a heartfelt reminder of why I started this movement: to celebrate those moments of togetherness that nourish us from the inside out.

I am also thrilled that Ron is feeling better, and we kicked off the year by him attending his first conference. It feels so good to get back some normalcy in our lives after so much turmoil in the last year.

January is also National Sunday Supper Month, a time dedicated to encouraging families to gather, share a meal, and create lasting memories. It’s the perfect opportunity to embrace the values of the Sunday Supper Movement and make intentional time for those we hold dear. Throughout the month, we’ll be sharing inspiring recipes, tips, and stories to help you celebrate this special time. Let’s make this January a month filled with love, connection, and, of course, delicious meals!

Looking ahead, 2025 will be a year of growth and expansion for the Sunday Supper Movement. Here are just a few intentions I’m setting for the months to come:

• Community First: This year, I want to hear more from YOU. Let’s share our stories, recipes, and memories that make Sunday Suppers special! You can share your Sunday Supper story here. (I’m hosting a giveaway for it, too!)
• Strengthening Traditions: Whether through make-ahead meals, Italian pasta nights, or mountain-inspired recipes, we’ll explore ways to make gathering around the table even more meaningful and manageable.
• Giving Back: We’ll expand our mission by partnering with incredible organizations and businesses to give back to the community through food, connection, and support.
• Celebrating Family: Rory and Aiden, my sweet grandchildren, will play a big role in this year’s journey. You’ll see their favorite recipes featured and perhaps a little mischief and laughter from their adventures sprinkled throughout.
• A New Chapter: I am thrilled to share that I’m working on a cookbook that embodies everything we’ve built together. It will be filled with heartfelt stories, practical tips, and, of course, recipes to bring families together.

To me, Strength isn’t just about endurance or determination; it’s about knowing when to pause, reflect, and lean on the people who make our lives brighter. As we embark on this journey through 2025 together, I hope the Sunday Supper Movement continues to be a source of strength for you, too—a place to feel connected, inspired, and loved.

Thank you for being a part of this family. Together, we can make 2025 a year of unforgettable gatherings, shared meals, and strengthened bonds.

Wishing you a year of strength, joy, and delicious moments,

Your friend,

Isabel