There was a time when New Year’s Eve felt like the biggest night of the year. As a kid, it was never about resolutions, goals or the weight of time passing. It was about staying up late and being with your family. Midnight felt important simply because it was usually off limits. New Year’s Eve was one of the few nights when parents loosened the rules and that alone made it feel special. In our house, the night came with its own traditions. My mother would buy sparkling apple juice and plastic wine glasses just for the kids. The adults had their drinks, music played in the background and for a few hours itfelt like we were part of something grown-up. Midnight meant cheering and noise and hugs and the feeling that something had happened, even if none of us could have explained exactly what. Back then, New Year’s felt magical. It was exciting without pressure. It was a celebration without expectation. No one asked what the next year would bring. The joy came from the moment itself. …