In brief
In a personal recount of highlights from 2024, Melissa Kirsch shares her favorite moments and encourages readers to celebrate their own unique experiences as the year wraps up, touching on everything from books to meals and personal epiphanies.
As the calendar year reaches its final days, there's a tangible sense of winding down. Many feel the comfort of putting off tasks, leaving them for the resolution of the New Year. This period beckons us to fill the upcoming year with new projects, yet here we are, preparing to wrap up 2024 as if packing away an old suitcase. It’s fascinating to think how January can possibly accommodate all the plans we’ve started, with conversations piled high and lunch dates marked on the calendar for “when we’re all back.”Today, December 21, marks the winter solstice—the shortest day of the year. With the arrival of winter in the Northern Hemisphere at 4:20 AM Eastern Time, it’s a reminder that the sun sets earlier, prompting us to reflect on the year gone by. I’m particularly thankful for all the readers of The Morning who contributed their personalized best-of lists for 2024; I’ll be diving into those cherished favorites during the holidays. Some personal highlights include the best book I read, "All Fours" by Miranda July; an unforgettable magic performance by Joshua Jay titled “Look Closer”; and my own culinary adventure in recreating a beloved sandwich from a café long closed, mixing earthy ingredients to mimic the original Roma sandwich. Emotional theater continued to resonate with me, especially during the performance of “Illinoise” at the Park Avenue Armory—a genuinely moving experience. My newfound inclination towards hot mint tea made the list as the least ‘me’ drink I’ve adopted, while Charlotte Cornfield’s music became my go-to for moments of introspection.Readers shared their standout moments of joy too. Elaina Kane from Goshen, Indiana, highlighted a memorable open mic night hosted in her yard, prompting me to ponder why more of us aren’t drawing friends together for simple, joyous gatherings. Shelby Yuan from Chicago introduced the indulgent concept of the “post-breakfast nap” as the pinnacle of weekend luxury. Some gained clarity, like Grayson Hester from Atlanta, whose realization that his current city didn't suit him led to the decision to seek happiness elsewhere. And, according to Sarah McKetta from New York, the shining star of kitchen upgrades this year was undeniably the induction stove.The spirit of gratitude for this past year intertwines with hope for the future, as we ponder the moments and experiences that shaped our journey through 2024.
