The dark period of 2016 is finally over. We may be able to take a small breather from all the death, crazy politics and complete lunacy. However, that won’t last long.

Let’s start with the first matter of business, President-elect Donald Trump. On January 6th, Congress will meet to count the electoral college votes and officially declare the new President and Vice-President. January 20th marks the day that the President-elect will take the oath of office and be sworn in.

Now, a change in presidency marks a shift in both domestic and foreign policy. Thus, this change of leadership affects the majority of people around the world. The American president isn’t just our president. They are the chief diplomat of the United States and determines (hopefully not through twitter) the nation’s stance on foreign policy. There are of course shared powers between the president and Senate on foreign policy.

Speaking of foreign policy, let’s talk about Brexit! Back in June, the UK decided that it was going to leave the European Union. The UK government hasn’t given a significant portion of details on the actual plan for Brexit. Prime Minister Theresa May has stated that Article 50 of Lisbon Treaty would be triggered no later than March 2017. Article 50 triggers the start of the UK and EU splitting ways and a beginning of two long years of negotiation between the two entities. The UK would be out of the EU by the Summer of 2019.

These things are good and bad. It just depends on how you look at it. Some especially good stuff is around the corner for us in 2017. For gamers, there are a bunch of triple A titles coming out in the next 12 months. Some are new, and others are from established series. Also, a new Star Wars movie is landing in theaters next December. What’s not to love there?

The fact is, 2017 is going to be a year for closure. Large and small issues need to be addressed and taken care of. Don’t miss those opportunities. Also, don’t sweat the big stuff. In a way, those things have a way of solving themselves and working out for the better. It’s those small things you need to worry about because they pile up and wear you down. Take care of them head on knowing that you are doing the right thing.

Take chances! Take that person you’ve had feelings for out on a date. You know you want to. That promotion you’ve working towards? Go for it! Want to go back to school? Do it! There is a reason the year ends with Winter and leads into Spring. Winter is the season of endings and Spring is the season of rebirth. Take time to make 2017 a fresh and new start while seeking closure for 2016.