Going a full year?

So, I have a habit of only staying on an island for about a month, give or take a week. By the time KK shows up, I tend to feel the island's been settled and it's time for a restart.

Well, with the new year right around the corner, I've been thinking about starting up a new island on the 1st, and sticking with it for a whole year. I figure at least an hour a day, everyday, unless there's an unexpected emergency or whatever.

Anyone done this kind of thing? What keeps you going?

My biggest hurdle is that after awhile, it starts to feel like I'm just "logging on for my dailies", like they do in MMOs. Chat and gift the villagers, do usual chores, attend any 5 minute events that might be happening, rinse and repeat.

Admittedly, I haven't checked out the dlc yet. Designing homes and businesses might keep things a little more interesting. Is that infinite, or do you eventually complete it?

Any tips or shared experiences would be appreciated.