It isn’t often that I get involved in online trends, games or groups, but when a former neighbor invited me to participate in his Facebook-based “Whamageddon” challenge, I decided to give it a try.

Here’s how it worked: The object of the game was to avoid hearing the song “Last Christmas” by the English pop duo Wham! The game began Dec. 1 and continued until midnight Dec. 24. Other versions of the song were exempt — only the original by Wham! would disqualify contenders, who were considered “out” as soon as they recognized that they were hearing the song. Those who heard the song were asked to post on social media with the #whamageddon hashtag about how, when and where they were knocked out of the competition.

It sounded like a fun time, and some of the 201 people in the group immediately began making posts about where they feared they would hear the tune or what family member sabotaged their efforts. It was lively, amusing and fun.

I never dreamed I would survive for the duration of the contest. Between Christmas shopping, listening to the radio in my car and spending time with friends and family uring holiday gatherings, I was certain it wouldn’t be long before I got “Whammed!”

That turned out not to be the case. Not only did I make it all the way to Christmas, but I still hadn’t heard the Wham! version of the song until this past week (though my brother did sing it as we were riding to Columbus together one day).

As I was helping my husband, Mike, set up to perform his magic act for the St. Clairsville Sunrise Rotary’s “Noon Year’s Eve” event for children early Tuesday morning, I finally heard the song over the sound system at the Ohio Valley Mall.

I was actually glad that I finally got to hear it, since it is a catchy tune and the band is a reminder of my junior high and high school days and the friends I listened with.

So, thanks to Joe Schmitt for organizing the “worst Christmas game ever concocted” and inviting me to play along. It was fun, and I hope everyone involved enjoyed it as much as I did.

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As we look ahead at the new year, it’s natural for us to take stock of ourselves and our situations and consider ways to improve. It’s rare for me to make resolutions, and from what I understand they usually don’t last long for most people.

If you are inclined to resolve to make some sort of change, though, there are some ways to make it more likely that you will follow through, according to experts we have heard from in recent days.

They recommend setting reasonable, achievable goals that can actually be accomplished, rather than lofty ones that might quickly become frustrating for you. They also suggest finding ways to take small steps toward your goals, instead of trying to reach them immediately. For example, decide to do some exercise three times a week; that’s much more doable than committing to two-hour sessions daily.

Finally, give yourself some room to grow. If you don’t follow through one day, circle back the next. Nobody is monitoring you except for you, so just do your best.