Wishing you a Fantastic New Year! How have you been? I hope you enjoyed a restful holiday, if you managed to take one.
We had a delightful time in both New York and California. Since the boys were with their dad during Christmas week this year, we exchanged gifts the evening before they departed. We ordered a pineapple-and-green-pepper pizza, and their top two gifts were Ruth Chan’s graphic memoir and a silent basketball they can’t seem to put down.
After the boys left, my boyfriend Freddie and I spent a few lovely days together. We were excited to secure a lunch reservation at I Sodi, which I would argue serves the finest Italian cuisine in New York City. (I know, that’s a bold claim!) They’re renowned for their eight distinct versions of the Negroni and…
…their legendary 20-layer lasagna, which certainly lives up to the hype.
My heart. I’ve mentioned Freddie a bit on Big Salad, but I’m particularly eager to introduce him here on Cup of Jo 🙂 He’s a high school history teacher and a dad to two boys, and he enjoys The Sopranos, neighborhood strolls, bookstores with cozy sofas, and whipping up cheesy eggs for breakfast.
The following day, we allowed ourselves to sleep in, explored the area, and later headed uptown for dinner at Jenny Rosenstrach’s place. She and her husband, Andy, prepared a fresh green salad and…lasagna! This recipe was from Smitten Kitchen, featuring a less pronounced tomato flavor and a richer bolognese. For dessert, Freddie and I brought an Italian pandoro, a soft bread topped with powdered sugar — have you ever tasted one? It resembled a snow-capped mountain.
On another evening, Freddie and I spent time with some of his relatives, and I had the opportunity to meet his parents, which is an adventure for another time! His dad shared stories about his firefighting career! His mom gifted me some slippers! It made me a bit anxious! But it seemed to go well!
Then Freddie went to see his kids, leaving me to enjoy some alone time for a while. I expected to feel a touch of loneliness on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning, but instead, friends warmly welcomed me into their festivities, which truly touched my heart. During a service on Christmas Eve, the carols echoed through the church and gardens.
For the latter part of the break, the boys and I came together again in San Francisco to spend time with my sister, niece, dad, and other family members. I was overjoyed to have them back with me — when I spotted them at the airport, I felt like a real-life version of Diana running to her boys on that ship, haha. Such a relatable feeling!
We attended a Warriors basketball game with the cousins…
…though it ended in a disappointing loss.
We also checked out a sports exhibit at SF MoMA…
…which featured a four-way ping-pong table for play and showcased iconic sports photographs over the years, including one of Tanya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan.
On New Year’s Eve, we honored our family tradition of visiting my sister’s late husband Paul’s grave.
The younger children ran around joyfully while the adults engaged in conversation and toasted with Champagne.
Later, we headed to my sister’s house for dinner, where I spotted this print on her fridge. The insightful quote by C.S. Lewis reminded me of her and Paul’s cherished moments together; and now, as I find myself falling in love, I’m reminded of the vulnerability that comes with giving your heart to someone. How do people manage it?
To wrap up the night, we played the game Herd Mentality…
…and we noticed that Toby has surpassed nearly all the grandparents in height. (Opa’s the only one left standing.)
On our way home, I reflected on how my boys are growing into wonderful young men (especially when compared to this photo!). However, I still have lessons to teach them. At the airport, I demonstrated to Anton how to roll his socks into a ball. “Mom,” he remarked as he tried it himself. “I won’t lie, that’s pretty tough.”
Hope you had a rejuvenating holiday. Do you have any updates? Any surprises? Any mishaps? I’d love to hear it all. Sending tons of love for 2025. xoxo
P.S. Here’s a surprisingly enjoyable method to approach New Year’s resolutions, alongside the very first CoJ post.
(Photo by Yakov Knyazev/Stocksy.)
**Warmest Wishes and New Year Greetings!**
As the year transitions and a new chapter unfolds, individuals worldwide unite to honor a fresh start, reflect on what has passed, and anticipate the upcoming opportunities and challenges. The New Year embodies a time of renewal, optimism, and connection, and one of the most treasured practices during this season is the exchange of greetings and best wishes. These sincere yet impactful gestures hold deep significance, transcending cultural and geographical borders.
### The Ritual of New Year Greetings
The tradition of exchanging New Year greetings has historical roots spanning centuries and is fundamentally woven into human culture. Ancient societies, such as the Babylonians and Romans, celebrated the year’s dawn with festivities and rituals, often accompanied by hopes for wealth, health, and joy. This custom has evolved over time into the contemporary practice of sending cards, messages, and oral greetings to family, friends, and colleagues.
New Year greetings serve as a means to express appreciation, enhance relationships, and spread positivity. They present an opportunity to recognize those who have journeyed with us and to wish them well as they step into another year. Whether shared in person, through handwritten notes, or via digital communication, these messages convey a universal feeling of goodwill.
### Common Themes in New Year Wishes
While the exact phrasing of New Year greetings may differ, the core themes remain similar. Here are some of the most prevalent sentiments found in New Year wishes:
1. **Health and Wellness:** Good health is often viewed as the cornerstone of a joyful and rewarding life. Numerous New Year greetings incorporate wishes for physical and mental wellness, acknowledging its vital role in achieving other aspirations.
2. **Happiness and Delight:** The New Year provides an opportunity to celebrate life’s gifts and to hope for moments of happiness and satisfaction in the coming months.
3. **Achievement and Prosperity:** Whether relating to personal ambitions, professional goals, or financial stability, success and prosperity are shared aspirations expressed in New Year communications.
4. **Tranquility and Unity:** In a world frequently characterized by strife and unpredictability, wishes for peace—on both personal and global scales—hold especially heartfelt significance.
5. **Fresh Starts and Possibilities:** The New Year represents a blank page, making it an ideal moment to encourage others to embrace new possibilities, set aspirations, and chase their dreams.
### Cultural Differences in New Year Greetings
New Year celebrations and greetings manifest uniquely across various cultures, highlighting the rich diversity of traditions worldwide:
– **China:** The Chinese New Year, rooted in the lunar calendar, is celebrated with wishes for success and good luck. Common greetings include “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Mandarin) or “Kung Hei Fat Choi” (Cantonese), which translate to “Wishing you great happiness and prosperity.”
– **Japan:** In Japan, the New Year is commemorated through exchanging postcards known as “nengajo,” often bearing messages of appreciation and good wishes for the upcoming year.
– **India:** In India, New Year greetings differ depending on regional and cultural calendars. For instance, during Diwali (recognized as the Hindu New Year in certain regions), individuals extend wishes for wealth and happiness.
– **Western Countries:** In many Western nations, people exchange greetings such as “Happy New Year!” or “Wishing you a marvelous year ahead,” typically accompanied by celebrations, fireworks, and resolutions.
### Modern Ways to Convey New Year Greetings
In the digital era, the means by which we share New Year greetings have broadened beyond traditional approaches. Social media platforms, messaging applications, and email have simplified connections with people globally. Here are some inventive methods to express your good wishes:
1. **E-Cards:** Digital greeting cards provide a practical and eco-conscious way to send personalized messages.
2. **Social Media Updates:** Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter allow you to broadcast your wishes to a large audience, often paired with festive visuals or videos.
3. **Video Wishes:** A heartfelt video message can add a unique touch to your greetings, making them more memorable.
4. **Group Messaging:** Apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram facilitate sending greetings to multiple recipients simultaneously, creating a sense of community.
5. **Handwritten Notes:** Despite the surge in digital communication, a handwritten note or card continues to be a timeless and valued way to convey your thoughts.
### The Impact of New Year Greetings
New Year greetings are more than mere words—they represent a means to connect, inspire, and uplift. They remind us of the significance of relationships, the power of kindness, and the collective hope for a brighter future. In a world that can sometimes feel fragmented, these simple gestures of goodwill have the power to unite individuals.
As we step into another year, let us embody the spirit of the season by reaching out to those around us with heartfelt greetings and warm wishes. Whether it’s a simple “Happy
