Funny thing we humans, cutting the current year from the future one so rigidly from the past ones. In either case, the new year will have its own set of unique difficulties.
I think, we try to slow down, and keep convincing ourselves to slow down but in actual we rush to make sure, we have everything as we plan ( that's kinda rush because we have so many things). People who don't do anything don't face this situation probably, but then comparing apple with oranges does not get us anything. We will be like this forever.
Merry Christmas to you and your family, Happy gardening.