again. Another year has begun, and here we are on the first day of 2025. As we welcome this new beginning, my prayer is for everyone's year to be filled with happiness and love for everyone.
On this first day of the year, I want to share how we welcomed 2025. Even if our celebration wasn't a grand celebration, the important thing is that we have food on our table and we, family, are smiling together as we welcome the new year.
Sometimes, the spirit of the New Year is not measured in luxury, but by the simple joy of unity. So even if it's simple, a heart full of gratitude is the greatest way to start 2025. So, let's move on to a new chapter in our lives.
As the eldest of four siblings, I was always like my mother's assistant in the house. So, on the morning of December 30, 2024, I accompanied her to the city market. Our budget wasn't big, but it was enough for our family. Despite the simplicity of our preparations, I am happy and grateful that we have something to put and share on the table to welcome the New Year.
When we arrived at the market, even though it was not yet December 31st, I could already see many people buying fruits, meat, and ingredients for their celebrations. I noticed the joy and excitement on their faces. Their positive energy were contagious. As I watched them, I also felt joy.
It's not just consumers who were happy; even the salesmen, you can also feel their happiness. Many people buy from them, so they must be happy to have the money and have something to prepare for their loved ones as well. The whole market was full of life and positive vibes even though it was very hot and crowded.
After about an hour of walking around and buying, we finally checked off everything on our list. Finally, we can get out of the market. It was a huge challenge for someone who sweats easily like me, but I ignored the heat to make sure we could buy properly.
Before we went home, my mother also thought of buying our dogs food. She knew they'd be wagging their tails and waiting excitedly at the door when we returned.
When we got home, we immediately prepared lunch. Today was a simple day, but every moment was filled with joy and gratitude.
On December 31, we were all busy cleaning and decorating the house. The day started with placing a Christmas-themed tablecloth on our table. After that, we attached the tarpaulin that my mom bought from her friend. What is written on it is "Happy New Year" with "Arriesgado Family" above. My mom's idea was funny because she purposely asked her friend to put no year on it so she could use it again next New Year. It got me thinking, yes, practical!
After that, we put the candies, chocolates, and other snacks we bought into bowls, and placed them neatly on the table. After we left the living room, my siblings and I immediately went to the kitchen to prepare food. I can already feel the excitement as I think that a few hours later, it's a New Year! While waiting for the arrival of 2025, I prayed for an abundant year, filled with happiness, good health, and peace of mind for everyone.
I was tasked with slicing onions for the spaghetti, while my siblings were busy preparing other ingredients such as cheese and hotdogs. I smiled as I remembered my childhood days, I used to feel extreme joy every Christmas and New Year. Aside from my favorite spaghetti, I was also excited about gifts, other delicious food, and happy family reunions. I also sometimes miss being a kid, no worries, just fun and pure happiness.
After we cooked the spaghetti, my brother tasted it. Luckily, the outcome was delicious even though we are not experts in cooking. The timing was perfect because our mother had just arrived with roasted chicken from the market. We immediately arranged all the food on the table, and finally, all our preparations were finished.
After a busy day, I showered and got ready for the celebration. I just put on a light makeup to be presentable later. As the time passes, I can feel the warmth of our family's love and happiness. I'm always grateful for the simple moments like these that give true meaning to the celebration of the New Year.
Around 11 pm, we decided to take a picture with the whole family. It's usually common especially during Christmas and New Years, isn't it? It feels good to be in the pictures with our loved ones. We also didn't forget to include our dogs in the picture-taking because they are also part of the family. We did it earlier because we knew that when the 12 o'clock came, we wouldn't have time because we were already busy outside, watching the colorful fireworks.
It's 12 o'clock, so, it's New Year! While watching the fireworks, I thought about everything I went through last year. It wasn't easy, it was filled with breakdowns and challenges. But despite everything, I was able to get up and welcome this new year, 2025. It's like every firework in the sky is a symbol of victory.
After watching the fireworks, we gathered at the table to share the prepared food. While eating, my family and I talked about our experiences last year and other random things. That moment was simple, but very happy. Truly, nothing beats the warmth of family love every New Year.
Now that we welcome the new year, 2025, I realize that the most important gift we can give and receive isn't wrapped in a box, it's the time spend with family, the laughter, and the shared meals. As you get older, like me, I noticed that receiving gifts is not as common as it was when we were younger. I used to get a lot of presents every Christmas or New Year, but now, it's rare. But you know, I don't look at it negatively. It seems to be natural as we get older. What is important to me now is to be with the whole family and happy together at a dinner table, in good health, and full of gratitude and peace of mind.
So to you, Hivers, happy new year! May our 2025 be full of love, happiness, blessings, and peace of mind. Let's welcome this year with gratitude and positivity. Welcome, 2025!
That's all for today's blog everyone! I'd really appreciate it if you could upvote, comment, and share my blog. Thank you so much, Hivers and have a fabulous day ahead!