New Years Day 2024 and walking along our local Leighton Beach. Of course I’m listening in to the scattered conversations . Like a lot of people, my age anyway, I’m thinking of past New Years and estimating how many more I might see.

“It was the best night of my life, ever. Oh my god,” exclaims a young woman to her companion. That so strongly stated phrase set me off wondering and questioning: Is there a best New Year?/ can I remember just one/how does one decide?

There is the usual muddle of memories. Every time I retrieve one remnant from my mind another one emerges to obscure the one I have.

Ok then I’ll just stick with one New Year which always comes to mind. One spent in Exeter, UK with my Aunt Gladys and cousins and assorted people. Gladys always gathered people around her, and she celebrated at every opportunity. But Christmas/ New Year was her favourite. Lights, tree, wrapped presents and lots of wonderful food. She was a great cook. The highlight of this celebration was the brew. For months leading up to the night bottles would be opened, sniffed, tasted and lids screwed back on. Finally on New Years Eve assorted bottles would be produced with the lethal cocktails prior to the meal.

I can’t remember a lot, probably the combination of baby, my 5 month first child was with me, and the alchohol. I don’t remember much noise from my breast fed baby. The memory is of stories, a warm room and fun. My Aunt, despite the many sadnesses that came her way, had always created this sense of joy.

Each New Year I remember that New Year in Exeter with Gladys, and remind myself to laugh more.

So I raise a glass of the best whisky to you Aunty Gladys.

And, reader,what was your best New Year?