James Van Der Beek Rejects New Year’s Resolutions
James Van Der Beek has decided to abandon his “impossible” New Year’s resolutions. He recently posed a question to his Instagram followers about whether they find it difficult to adhere to their goals, suggesting that their struggles are understandable.
The 48-year-old actor, known for his role in “Dawson’s Creek,” questioned, “Why do we celebrate the New Year in the middle of winter?” He noted that it seems illogical to mark new beginnings when nature is in a state of rest, as many animals hibernate and birds migrate for the season.
Rather than pursuing resolutions at this time, Van Der Beek is inspired to set new goals for the spring equinox, when “flowers bloom, the weather gets warmer, and birds return.” He expressed a belief that this aligns more naturally with the rhythms of nature.
“Why do we fight nature?” he mused, adding that the Gregorian calendar, imposed by Pope Gregory VIII, doesn’t quite make sense in this context.
Currently battling cancer since 2023, he plans to use the winter months to rest and recover, reassessing his aspirations once spring arrives.
“Who’s with me?” he asked, drawing support from many of his famous friends. Alyssa Milano responded enthusiastically, while Odette Annable chimed in playfully, suggesting they end the season with some soup.
One fan even praised the actor, noting how “strong” and “healthy” he appeared in his video update.
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in August 2023 but only shared the news publicly in November 2024. Despite his challenges, he mentioned feeling optimistic about his health.
He missed the 2025 “Dawson’s Creek” reunion, leading to speculations about his health after appearing thin in a recorded message.
In a conversation on the Today show last month, he attributed his weight loss to a stomach virus, assuring viewers it wasn’t connected to his cancer diagnosis.
A Texas resident, Van Der Beek has been married to Kimberly Van Der Beek since August 2010, and together, they have six children.
