A simple yearly ritual: making my own calendar
Today, I am tackling one of my favorite holiday season mini project: creating my own calendar for 2026 with pictures from last year.
A simple way to give a home to the hundreds of pictures taken, usually left forgotten. I choose to have my calendar as a reflection of the multifaceted year, blending travel, everyday, people and nature. So month after month, I get to revisit the previous year’s big adventures and little joys.
This is for everyone with a phone full of pictures, looking for a mini project that can be finished in a couple of hours, and bring them joy year around. It is also kids friendly.
How to do it
Note! The perfectionists may want to first sort out their pictures of the year, and make copies first. It is indeed a very good opportunity to get this task done, but not necessary if you are short on time.
- Select the pictures. I select 1 to maximum 4- 6 pictures per month from the past year
- Use a simple online service. You can also find a template and print it at home (a bit more advanced).
- Choose a template. Don’t overthink it. I found the ideal size to be a doubled A4 (A3 when open), as you have enough space to make notes but also to enjoy a few pictures per month.
- Upload all the chosen pictures, dispatch them on the corresponding pages. In most service you can choose a page layout based on the number of images you have for that month.
- Keep it imperfect. No, all the borders don’t need to be aligned. Yes, you can just use a template and not modify it. Of course, this picture of mid March can go in April if that page is quite empty. Particularly in this project, perfection is the enemy of done.
- Print one copy and get it sent to your home. Pencil your planned events and important dates. Hang it to the wall. And admire it and enjoy it, 365 days.
Unexpected benefits and why this is a tradition that I stuck with
Memory shared is double the joy. I love to include pictures of my favorite people. Usually upon receiving the calendar I send a short message to people featured “You made it into our 2026 calendar! Thanks again for this beautiful weekend“. It brings me a lot of joy.
This tradition has also taught me not to chase the perfect picture but the one with emotions, or a story. In a world of over filtered, perfect images this felt very therapeutic and refreshing. I find myself snapping away memories, not just pictures – is this not the purpose of photography?
Receive occasional notes from the outdoors
Long-form stories, small adventures, and reflections ; sent quietly, when there’s something worth sharing.