In brief
The winter solstice signifies a time for reflection as individuals consider their highlights from 2024, discovering personal victories and moments of joy in the hustle of life.
As the longest night arrives on the winter solstice, many of us find ourselves naturally retreating into reflection, contemplating the milestones and memories that marked the past year. The closing days of December are often filled with a sense of winding down, prompting thoughts of unfinished projects and plans for the year ahead. Amidst this reflective season, it’s comforting to pack away the old year, holding space for the promises of January and a fresh start.This year, I've been privileged to receive an avalanche of highly personalized “best-of” lists from readers, each filled with intimate anecdotes that showcase the essence of what brought them joy throughout 2024. The gathering of these unique highlights provides an opportunity to share in the collective experience of cherishing life’s simplest pleasures.Here are a few gems from my own list this year: the thought-provoking novel “All Fours” by Miranda July stood out as the most impactful book I read. I also had the good fortune to attend an extraordinary magic show, “Look Closer,” by Joshua Jay that left me astounded. Food brought nostalgia for me through my attempts at replicating the now-closed Cafe Europa's Roma sandwich, accessorized with fresh ingredients that evoke memories of my college days. And theater took me on an emotional journey with “Illinoise” at the Park Avenue Armory, where I couldn’t help but shed a few tears. To round out my experiences, a new habit emerged: sipping on hot mint tea—a stark contrast to my usual beverage choices—along with adopting the catchy tune, “Blame Brett” by The Beaches, as my go-to mood booster.Readers have shared their highlights as well, revealing the best moments gleaned from their year. For instance, Elaina Kane’s best gathering involved hosting an intimate open mic night in her yard, enriching relationships through creativity. Shelby Yuan from Chicago cherishes the luxury of a “post-breakfast nap,” a simple pleasure we often overlook. Meanwhile, Grayson Hester gained clarity in realizing that changing his surroundings could provide happiness, giving weight to the notion of personal growth. Sarah McKetta’s kitchen upgrade—a new induction stove—marks a functional investment that enhances the joy of cooking.As 2024 draws to a close, we’re reminded that even in the gentle onset of winter, there’s warmth in sharing our stories. Together, these reflections paint a vivid picture of a year filled with discovery, growth, and a wealth of experiences that shape who we are.
