The thirteenth wish plays a key role in a traditional Rauhnächte ritual that helps people set intentions for the new year. Practitioners write down 13 personal desires on separate slips of paper around the winter solstice. During the twelve Rauhnächte nights between Christmas and Epiphany, they burn one slip each night without looking at it. This act releases the desire to the universe through fire, building trust in higher forces. The remaining slip holds the final desire. People keep this one and work on it themselves throughout the year. It stands for the goal they can control directly. This practice blends reflection with action and encourages balance between letting go and personal effort.
Quick Answer
The thirteenth wish is the one you keep in the 13 wishes ritual. You write 13 desires, burn 12 blindly during Rauhnächte to release them to the universe, and nurture this remaining one through your own actions in the coming year.
Table of Contents
- What The Thirteenth Wish Really Means
- Thirteenth Wish For Yourself To Nurture
- How The 13 Wishes Ritual Works
- How To Write Your 13 Wishes
- Thirteenth Wish For Your New Year
- Thirteenth Wish For Self-Love And Confidence
- Thirteenth Wish For Health And Healing
- Thirteenth Wish For Career, Money, And Purpose
- Thirteenth Wish For Love And Romantic Relationships
- Thirteenth Wish For Family, Home, And Parenting
- Thirteenth Wish For Friends And Community
- Thirteenth Wish For Creativity And Passion Projects
- Thirteenth Wish For Spiritual Growth And Inner Peace
- Thirteenth Wish When You Feel Lost Or Starting Over
- Thirteenth Wish For Teens And Students
- Daily Reminders To Live Your Thirteenth Wish
- FAQs
- Conclusion
TL;DR
• The thirteenth wish is the one intention you keep for yourself.
• Twelve wishes are “released”; the last becomes your responsibility.
• Choose a wish that feels kind, specific, and realistically actionable.
• Focus on one life area where change would feel meaningful.
• Rewrite your wish as a promise, not pressure or perfection.
What The Thirteenth Wish Really Means
In most versions of the 13 wishes ritual, you write thirteen wishes on separate slips of paper. Over twelve nights, you burn one slip each night without reading it, trusting that those hopes are now released to life, God, the universe, or whatever language feels right to you. On the final night, one folded slip remains. That last one is the thirteenth wish.
Instead of burning it, you open it, read it, and decide how you’ll care for it during the coming year. This wish isn’t about waiting for magic. It’s about naming a direction and walking toward it with steady, everyday choices. Here are example lines you could use for the deeper meaning of your thirteenth wish:
• I wish to treat this year as a gentle new chapter where I show up for myself with honesty and care.
• I wish to accept that small, consistent steps can build the big life changes my heart is asking for.
• I wish to listen to my inner voice more often and trust it when it nudges me toward healthier choices.
• I wish to release the pressure to be perfect and instead celebrate realistic progress in every season.
• I wish to believe that I am worthy of investing time, attention, and resources in my own growth.
• I wish to stay curious about my life instead of judging myself when things unfold more slowly than I hoped.
• I wish to honor my feelings without letting fear or worry decide the whole direction of my year.
• I wish to notice where my energy naturally lights up and gently follow those sparks a little more.
• I wish to remember that my choices matter and that I can rewrite patterns that no longer fit.
• I wish to carry this thirteenth wish like a quiet compass, guiding the way I spend my days.
• I wish to welcome support—from friends, mentors, and community—while I grow into this new version of myself.
• I wish to look back at the end of the year proud that I showed up, even when it was hard.
Thirteenth Wish For Yourself To Nurture
Often, the thirteenth wish is described as “for yourself.” That doesn’t mean selfish. It means you choose one area where taking better care of you will quietly bless everyone around you. Think sleep, boundaries, joy, play, or simply breathing room in a crowded life.
These wish examples focus on everyday self-nurturing, especially if you’re used to putting everyone else first:
• I wish to guard one small pocket of time each day that belongs only to me and my peace.
• I wish to speak to myself with the same kindness I offer people I love.
• I wish to rest before I completely crash, trusting that my body deserves care, not punishment.
• I wish to say “no” more often when something drains me, even if I feel nervous at first.
• I wish to notice and celebrate my efforts instead of only measuring myself by finished results.
• I wish to choose routines that fuel my energy instead of chasing every new trend or expectation.
• I wish to let go of one heavy responsibility that no longer fits, and allow more ease in my schedule.
• I wish to forgive myself for the times I didn’t know better and gently move forward anyway.
• I wish to treat my hobbies and interests as valid, not something I have to earn with productivity.
• I wish to ask for help when I need it, trusting that others can share the load with me.
• I wish to notice when my body asks for water, movement, sunlight, or stillness—and respond with care.
• I wish to remember that I, too, am someone worth showing up for every single day.
How The 13 Wishes Ritual Works
You don’t have to follow one “correct” version of the ritual, but most share a few simple steps. First, you prepare thirteen slips of paper and write one heartfelt wish on each. Then, starting on a chosen night—often around late December—you burn one folded slip each evening for twelve nights. You don’t read those wishes; you simply release them.
On the last night, you’re left with one remaining slip: the thirteenth wish. That’s the wish you open. You read it, keep it, and actively work on it during the new year. If you love the structure of ritual, here are wishes that lean into trusting the process:
• I wish to approach this ritual with curiosity, letting go of the need to perform it perfectly.
• I wish to trust that what is meant for me can reach me, even through simple paper and candlelight.
• I wish to treat each burned wish as a reminder that I can’t control everything—and that’s okay.
• I wish to stay gently open to opportunities that line up with the intentions I quietly released.
• I wish to feel supported as I move through these twelve nights, even when my emotions run deep.
• I wish to allow this thirteenth wish to guide my choices more than my fears or doubts.
• I wish to remember that tradition is flexible and I’m allowed to adapt this ritual to my life.
• I wish to carry the spirit of this practice into ordinary days, not just special nights.
• I wish to release the belief that change must be dramatic and invite steady, sustainable shifts instead.
• I wish to see symbolic moments—a candle, a quiet walk, a notebook—as chances to reset my intention.
• I wish to end this cycle feeling more rooted, present, and ready than when I began.
• I wish to let this ritual become a gentle anchor I can return to each winter if it still feels right.
How To Write Your 13 Wishes
Even if you never burn them, writing thirteen wishes can feel overwhelming at first. A simple rule is to write in the present tense, as if the wish is already unfolding, and to focus on how you want to feel rather than controlling every detail. Your thirteenth wish can then grow out of that list.
Use these lines to inspire how you write and frame your wishes on paper:
• I wish to write my wishes honestly, without shrinking my hopes or exaggerating them for drama.
• I wish to let my pen move without overthinking whether each sentence is “good enough.”
• I wish to choose words that make me feel calm, steady, and quietly excited about the year ahead.
• I wish to name specific areas—like health, love, work, and home—so my wishes feel grounded in real life.
• I wish to include wishes that serve both my future self and the people close to me.
• I wish to release the urge to compare my wishes to anyone else’s goals or timeline.
• I wish to write at least one wish that feels playful, creative, or just for fun.
• I wish to allow one deeply tender wish to appear, even if it scares me to see it in ink.
• I wish to treat my list as a conversation starter with myself, not a rigid contract.
• I wish to keep my wishes somewhere safe where I can return to them with compassion, not criticism.
• I wish to let my thirteenth wish emerge naturally, instead of forcing it to be “perfect.”
• I wish to remember that every word I write is a small act of paying attention to my own life.
Thirteenth Wish For Your New Year
If you’re reading this near December or January, your thirteenth wish might become your guiding sentence for the entire year. It can be big in meaning but small in daily actions. Think “more honest friendships,” “better boundaries,” or “joy in my body,” rather than a long list of strict resolutions.
Here are New Year-style thirteenth wish ideas you can adapt:
• I wish to enter this new year with a softer heart and clearer priorities.
• I wish to let my schedule reflect what matters most, not just what shouts the loudest.
• I wish to build one daily habit that supports my mind, body, and spirit in simple ways.
• I wish to create more memories than screenshots this year, even in small everyday moments.
• I wish to choose patience over panic when plans change or move more slowly than I expected.
• I wish to release one old story about myself that keeps me feeling stuck or small.
• I wish to welcome joy without waiting for everything in my life to look perfect first.
• I wish to balance ambition with rest so I can show up consistently, not just in quick bursts.
• I wish to invest my time and attention where I feel genuinely valued and respected.
• I wish to end this year feeling more connected to myself and the people I love.
• I wish to notice everyday blessings—a meal, a laugh, a quiet night—as real wins.
• I wish to carry a quiet confidence that whatever comes, I can meet it step by step.
Thirteenth Wish For Self-Love And Confidence
Many people choose a thirteenth wish around self-love because it quietly supports every other area. When you believe you’re worthy of care, it becomes easier to choose healthier relationships, better work, and kinder habits. Self-love is not arrogance; it’s simple respect for your own humanity.
These thirteenth wish examples focus on feeling at home in your own skin:
• I wish to look in the mirror with more gentleness and less criticism.
• I wish to notice what my body can do instead of only what I wish it looked like.
• I wish to speak up for myself, even if my voice shakes a little at first.
• I wish to stop apologizing for existing, taking up space, or having emotions.
• I wish to surround myself with people who speak to me with respect and kindness.
• I wish to remember that mistakes are proof that I’m learning, not signs that I’m failing.
• I wish to wear clothes and styles that make me feel like myself, not just acceptable.
• I wish to let my unique quirks and interests be something I celebrate, not hide.
• I wish to accept compliments without instantly arguing with them in my head.
• I wish to move toward goals from a place of love, not shame or self-disgust.
• I wish to believe that I am enough today, even while I grow into tomorrow’s version of me.
• I wish to treat my heart as something precious, not something I toss into every unsafe situation.
Thirteenth Wish For Health And Healing
Health-oriented wishes can be powerful, but they work best when they focus on choices and feelings rather than guaranteed outcomes. You can choose rest, nourishment, and supportive habits, while recognizing that not everything is in your control.
Here are gentle, non-medical thirteenth wish ideas around health and healing:
• I wish to listen to my body’s signals and respond with care instead of frustration.
• I wish to honor my need for sleep, movement, and stillness without feeling guilty.
• I wish to make medical and wellness decisions from a place of information and self-respect.
• I wish to release harsh self-talk around my energy levels and trust my current capacity.
• I wish to reach out for professional support when my mind or body feels overwhelmed.
• I wish to create small daily routines that help me feel calmer and more centered.
• I wish to choose foods and habits that help me feel steady, strong, and clear-headed.
• I wish to be patient with my body as it heals or adjusts, instead of demanding instant change.
• I wish to gently move away from patterns that leave me feeling drained or numb.
• I wish to give myself permission to recover from stress before taking on the next big thing.
• I wish to remember that my worth is not measured by productivity, energy, or appearance.
• I wish to treat my body as a partner in my life, not an enemy I must battle.
Thirteenth Wish For Career, Money, And Purpose
A thirteenth wish in this area can help you steer your work life and finances with more intention. Instead of chasing someone else’s version of success, you can wish for aligned opportunities, fair pay, and meaningful contributions.
Use these examples if your focus is career, money, or overall purpose:
• I wish to move one step closer to work that feels aligned with my values.
• I wish to trust that I’m allowed to grow beyond roles that no longer fit me.
• I wish to ask for fair pay and clear boundaries in my professional life.
• I wish to handle my money with more awareness, curiosity, and less anxiety.
• I wish to welcome opportunities that challenge me in healthy, sustainable ways.
• I wish to release comparison with people whose path and timeline are different from mine.
• I wish to honor both my need for stability and my desire for meaningful work.
• I wish to learn new skills that excite me and expand my future options.
• I wish to recognize my existing talents and put them to use with confidence.
• I wish to set one clear, achievable money goal and work toward it step by step.
• I wish to remember that my job is part of my life, not my entire identity.
• I wish to feel proud of the way I earn, spend, save, and share my resources.
Thirteenth Wish For Love And Romantic Relationships
Love-centered wishes can express a desire for healthier relationships, deeper connection, or healing after heartbreak. The key is to focus on what you can choose—your openness, your boundaries, your standards—rather than trying to control any one person.
These wish ideas work whether you’re single, dating, or already partnered:
• I wish to welcome romantic love that is kind, honest, and emotionally safe.
• I wish to believe that I deserve a partner who listens, cares, and shows up.
• I wish to keep my heart open without ignoring clear red flags or patterns.
• I wish to communicate my needs and feelings with more honesty and less fear.
• I wish to heal old stories about love that told me I’m too much or not enough.
• I wish to enjoy my own company so I never settle just to avoid being alone.
• I wish to build relationships where both of us can grow, change, and stay curious.
• I wish to practice forgiveness wisely, without excusing repeated harm or disrespect.
• I wish to bring more playfulness, affection, and shared laughter into my love life.
• I wish to honor my boundaries, even when attraction or loneliness tries to blur them.
• I wish to trust that the right relationship will feel like partnership, not rescue.
• I wish to love myself so well that any romantic love must rise to meet that standard.
Thirteenth Wish For Family, Home, And Parenting
Family and home wishes often touch the most tender parts of our hearts. The thirteenth wish here might be about calmer evenings, kinder communication, or simply creating a sense of safety under your roof, no matter who lives there.
These examples can support parents, caregivers, and anyone building a home environment:
• I wish to create a home that feels like a soft place to land after hard days.
• I wish to bring more patience and fewer rushed reactions into my family conversations.
• I wish to listen to my kids or younger relatives with curiosity, not instant judgment.
• I wish to pause and breathe before reacting when stress runs high in our household.
• I wish to protect small family rituals—meals, talks, game nights—that keep us connected.
• I wish to apologize when I’m wrong and model how to repair relationships with care.
• I wish to remember that the people I love are human, not perfect versions of my plans.
• I wish to ask for support when family responsibilities feel too heavy to hold alone.
• I wish to declutter our space enough that it feels calmer and easier to maintain.
• I wish to celebrate tiny family wins instead of only focusing on what still needs fixing.
• I wish to create moments of warmth and humor even in seasons that feel complicated.
• I wish to treat my own heart gently as I navigate the messy, beautiful work of family life.
Thirteenth Wish For Friends And Community
Friendships and community support shape so much of our wellbeing. A thirteenth wish in this area can help you welcome trustworthy people into your life and deepen the connections you already have.
Consider these wish lines if your heart is pulled toward stronger friendships and community:
• I wish to attract friends who celebrate my growth instead of competing with it.
• I wish to become the kind of friend who listens more than I rush to fix.
• I wish to release relationships that consistently leave me feeling unseen or unsafe.
• I wish to find or build spaces where I can show up as my whole, real self.
• I wish to invest time and effort into friendships that feel mutual and nourishing.
• I wish to reach out more often instead of waiting until loneliness feels unbearable.
• I wish to set healthy limits with people who drain me while still wishing them well.
• I wish to meet new people through shared interests, values, or community projects.
• I wish to use social media in ways that connect, not compare or constantly exhaust me.
• I wish to be brave enough to say, “I appreciate you,” while people are here to hear it.
• I wish to recognize that I deserve friendships built on respect, honesty, and joy.
• I wish to remember that community can be formed slowly through many tiny, kind actions.
Thirteenth Wish For Creativity And Passion Projects
If you feel called to create—through art, writing, music, cooking, or any passion project—a creativity-focused thirteenth wish may be perfect. It’s less about becoming famous and more about honoring your desire to make things.
Use these wish ideas to support your creative side:
• I wish to treat my creativity as a gift to practice, not a talent I must prove.
• I wish to make time for my passion projects, even when life feels crowded.
• I wish to start small, imperfect drafts instead of waiting for flawless inspiration.
• I wish to share more of my work with the world, even if the audience is tiny.
• I wish to learn from feedback without letting it crush my joy or identity.
• I wish to play with new tools, styles, or ideas just because they delight me.
• I wish to finish at least one project that matters deeply to me this year.
• I wish to let my creativity help me process emotions that words alone can’t reach.
• I wish to collaborate with others who inspire me and cheer on our shared growth.
• I wish to remember that my creative voice has a place, even in a noisy world.
• I wish to release the belief that it’s “too late” to start something new and bold.
• I wish to look back and be proud that I made things, not just thought about them.
Thirteenth Wish For Spiritual Growth And Inner Peace
Spiritual thirteenth wishes can be worded in many ways, depending on your beliefs. The focus here is on feeling connected, guided, and calm, rather than following any one tradition. Choose language that fits your heart—God, Source, the universe, love, or simple inner wisdom.
Here are faith-friendly, inclusive idea lines:
• I wish to feel more grounded in a sense of meaning bigger than my everyday worries.
• I wish to develop a simple spiritual practice that leaves me feeling steady and present.
• I wish to trust that I am held and supported, even when I can’t see the full path ahead.
• I wish to listen more often to the quiet voice inside that nudges me toward truth.
• I wish to spend time in nature and notice how it calms and recenters me.
• I wish to explore spiritual questions with curiosity instead of fear or shame.
• I wish to practice gratitude in a way that feels honest, not forced or performative.
• I wish to release beliefs that have harmed me while holding onto what brings genuine peace.
• I wish to treat my spiritual life as a relationship I can grow, not a test I must pass.
• I wish to recognize small moments of awe—a sunrise, music, kindness—as sacred.
• I wish to respond to stress with a pause, a breath, a prayer, or a grounding practice.
• I wish to feel more at ease resting in the mystery instead of needing every answer.
Thirteenth Wish When You Feel Lost Or Starting Over
Sometimes the thirteenth wish shows up during a hard season—after a breakup, a move, a job change, or a loss. In those moments, the wish can simply be about surviving, rebuilding, and trusting that another chapter is possible.
These examples speak to times of confusion or fresh starts:
• I wish to trust that feeling lost right now does not mean I’ll stay lost forever.
• I wish to take one small step at a time instead of demanding a full map of my future.
• I wish to give myself space to grieve what changed while staying open to new beginnings.
• I wish to notice tiny signs of hope, even on days that feel heavy or gray.
• I wish to ask for comfort and practical help when starting over feels too big to face alone.
• I wish to remember the hard things I’ve already survived and draw strength from them.
• I wish to accept that it’s okay if my timeline looks different from everyone else’s.
• I wish to gently let go of paths that have clearly closed so my hands are free for new ones.
• I wish to rebuild my life in a way that feels more honest and aligned than before.
• I wish to keep my heart open to unexpected friendships, opportunities, and places that feel like home.
• I wish to treat this chapter as a bridge, not a permanent label for my whole life.
• I wish to believe that even in this season, I am worthy of joy, love, and good things.
Thirteenth Wish For Teens And Students
For teens and students, life can feel like constant change—school, exams, friendships, social media, identity. A thirteenth wish here can focus on courage, balance, and self-kindness in a high-pressure season.
These wish examples use simple language that still respects how real those pressures feel:
• I wish to remember that my grades matter, but they don’t define my entire worth.
• I wish to find at least one safe person I can be completely honest with.
• I wish to take breaks from my phone when it starts to hurt my mood or focus.
• I wish to be kinder to my body as it changes, instead of comparing it to everyone else’s.
• I wish to explore my interests—even if they’re different from what my friends like.
• I wish to speak up in class or at work more often when I have something to say.
• I wish to manage my time with more balance so I’m not always exhausted.
• I wish to choose friends who hype me up instead of tearing me down.
• I wish to ask teachers, mentors, or counselors for help before I feel completely overwhelmed.
• I wish to treat mistakes and awkward moments as part of learning, not reasons to hide.
• I wish to hold onto my values, even when it feels easier to follow the crowd.
• I wish to believe that my future can be bright, even if I can’t see every detail yet.
Daily Reminders To Live Your Thirteenth Wish
A thirteenth wish is only the beginning. The real magic is in the way you live with it afterward. You might tape it to your mirror, keep it in your planner, or copy it into a journal every month. These short lines can serve as daily reminders that keep your intention alive.
Choose one as your core sentence or mix a few to reread often:
• I wish to take one small step today that honors my thirteenth wish.
• I wish to check in with myself regularly and adjust my plans with compassion.
• I wish to notice when fear is speaking and gently choose courage in at least one small way.
• I wish to keep my promises to myself with the same respect I give other people’s needs.
• I wish to celebrate each tiny win as proof that change is quietly happening.
• I wish to return to my thirteenth wish whenever I feel lost and ask, “What’s the next kind step?”
• I wish to let my habits—not just my hopes—reflect what I say I want this year.
• I wish to write about my progress, struggles, and surprises so I can see how far I’ve come.
• I wish to be patient when growth feels slow and remember that roots deepen before branches show.
• I wish to keep aligning my choices with this wish, even when nobody else can see the work.
• I wish to treat this whole year as a long conversation with myself about what truly matters.
• I wish to carry my thirteenth wish like a quiet promise I’m willing to keep.
FAQs
What is the 13 wishes ritual?
The 13 wishes ritual is a New Year or winter practice where you write thirteen wishes on separate slips of paper. Over twelve nights, you burn one wish each night without reading it, symbolically handing it over to something bigger than you. The final, thirteenth wish is kept, opened, and treated as your personal focus for the coming year.
What does the thirteenth wish symbolize?
The thirteenth wish symbolizes the one intention you’re willing to actively support with your own choices. While the burned wishes represent hopes you release, the wish you keep represents a promise to yourself. It’s less about magic and more about commitment, responsibility, and everyday actions aligned with your deepest values.
How do I choose my thirteenth wish?
After writing your thirteen wishes, read through them slowly and notice which one feels both meaningful and realistically actionable. A good thirteenth wish usually focuses on one life area—like self-care, work, relationships, or creativity—and is written in a kind, specific way. You’re looking for something you can return to again and again without feeling crushed by pressure.
Do I have to burn the other twelve wishes?
You don’t have to burn anything if that doesn’t feel safe or comfortable. Some people tear the slips, bury them, or simply place them in a box and symbolically “release” them. The core idea is letting go of trying to control every outcome, not the exact method. Choose a way that feels respectful, safe, and meaningful in your own context.
Can I repeat the 13 wishes ritual every year?
Yes. Many people repeat the ritual every year as a rhythm for reflecting and resetting their intentions. Each year your life looks different, so your wishes will naturally evolve. Some keep their thirteenth wish from the previous year and build on it; others choose something completely new. There’s no strict rule—what matters is that the practice continues to feel genuinely helpful.
What if I miss a night during the ritual?
If you miss a night, you can simply pick up where you left off. You might burn two wishes the next evening or extend the ritual by a day. The point is not to perform it perfectly but to stay in conversation with your intentions. Be flexible, kind to yourself, and willing to adapt the practice to real-life schedules and surprises.
Conclusion
The thirteenth wish reminds participants that some goals need personal effort while others benefit from release and trust. This ritual supports mindful planning and combines intention setting with symbolic acts like burning paper. People often find it helps them focus on achievable dreams. Start by writing your 13 desires today.
Jason Hale is an experienced American writer focused on relationship-based wishes, life milestones, and modern greeting styles. With a decade in digital content and human-connection writing, he creates warm, thoughtful, and culturally aware messages for couples, families, and friends. Jason’s content blends clarity with emotion, helping readers express love, gratitude, celebration, and comfort with confidence.