Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek found out he had cancer nearly three years ago. After keeping his health private, the actor went public with the news that he had Stage 3 colorectal cancer in November 2024. In a new social media post, he admitted that he’s struggling with making resolutions amid the difficult cancer fight. Keep reading for all the details on his suggestions about resolutions.
James Van Der Beek Struggles With Resolutions Amid Cancer Battle
James Van Der Beek seemed in high spirits in December when he last talked to the Today Show. Host Craig Melvin traveled to the actor’s ranch near Austin, Texas, for the interview. James Van Der Beek relocated with his wife and six kids in 2020. “I feel much, much better than I did a couple months ago,” he told Craig Melvin, alluding to his shocking appearance at the Dawson’s Creek reunion in September 2025.
However, in his latest social media post, the actor was pensive and reflective. He shared his thoughts on the tradition of making life-changing resolutions at the start of the new year and noted that he thought the timing was all wrong.
“Anybody else out there finding that your New Year’s resolutions are impossible to keep?” he asked. “I’m gonna say something, I don’t think it’s your fault. I think it makes total sense.”
The actor continued, “Why are we celebrating a new year in the dead of winter? Why are we celebrating new beginnings at a time when nature rests?”
James Van Der Beek pointed out, “Animals are hibernating, birds fly south for the winter. The time to celebrate new beginnings, and a new year, and a new you and a new resolution is spring at the vernal equinox, when the flowers bloom and it gets warmer and the birds return.”
His Unorthodox Suggestion
Additionally, James Van Der Beek expressed his confusion over why the New Year starts during the winter. “I mean, all due respect to Pope Gregory the 8th who saddled us with this Gregorian calendar system, but it just makes absolutely no sense,”
In a shocking move, he said he would no longer follow the traditional calendar. He shared that he was going to use the winter to “recover” and “rest.” Then, he would start his New Year in the spring and make resolutions then. James Van Der Beek concluded by asking his fans who was with him.
Fans Show Support
Fans flooded James Van Der Beek’s post with their thoughts. Several pointed out that he’s looking stronger and healthier than ever. Others noted that it’s summer where they live. However, a lot of his followers agreed that celebrating the new year in the winter needs to change:
- “i fully support hibernation until the sun is back.”
- “In the Bible, God declares the head of the year to be in spring”
- “PREACH! I just made all the magic of Christmas happen and hosted, cleaned, nursed. January feels like the month to hibernate and meditate, before slowly moving into another year.”
- “Yes!!! The new year does not start in the middle of winter. Can’t wait to share spring renewal and growth with you”
- “Honestly I always reflect on the year that has happened watching the fireworks on the 4th of July. It’s like my new year”
James Van Der Beek assured fans that breaking resolutions already wasn’t their fault. Tell us in the comments if you agree with his stance.
Jennifer Havener grew up in a small town in Upstate New York. She earned her B.A in Writing & Literature from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. She always knew watching reality TV shows and soap operas, particularly ‘Days of Our Lives’, would come in handy someday. When she’s not writing, she’s playing with her dogs, Lola and Ruger
