I’ve been a calendar dork for a long time.

As a kid, I received a wall calendar illustrated by Rich Rudish and depicting famous horses in history. I loved that calendar—Alexander the Great’s Bucephalus, the famous Arabian Witez II, Joan of Arc’s charger that only she could tame…. I can conjure those images almost without trying. That calendar set a high standard for future wall calendars. The only wall calendar to come close to it, in fact, was a fine art calendar of unicorn art, featuring Susan Seddon-Boulet and others.

I don’t hang a wall calendar anymore—or, rarely. I still use a weekly planner, even though I also use the calendar function on my phone. Mostly it’s practical. I prefer to use one with witchy holidays, or illustrated pages, or sassy stickers. Or horses on facing pages.

My favorite part now isn’t revealing next month’s illustration. It’s that first moment of writing in perennial dates—anniversaries, birthdays. I love that moment of adding the first plans of the new year, especially the fun ones, like travel dates.

Inevitably, I make a mistake. I have to add a pen scribble or Sharpie line to my new calendar! It’s almost a relief when it happens. Whew! Got that over with. It’s a good reminder at the year’s inception that no plans, no matter how well laid, are immutable.

See you in the new year! Share your favorite calendar, if you’re dorky enough!