One magic moment

Reflecting on the year, begrudgingly

The other night, as I was lying in bed before passing out, I asked my husband, "What’s one memory that stood out to you this year?"

His first response? "Right now?!? I’m so exhausted."

Fair enough. But this is when my brain actually has space to reflect, so I pushed him to answer.

Eventually, we landed on the same moment: taking the kids to their first concert in Los Angeles to see Conor Price, one of their favorite artists. (Check him out for clean, fun rap.)

The anticipation before the show. The sheer excitement in their eyes when he stepped on stage. The glow on Zara’s face when he high-fived her. It was magic. And let’s be honest—I had the time of my life too, singing my heart out like I was 15 again.

Of course, not everything went perfectly (we lost our swag bag and had an epic meltdown at the end), but it didn’t matter. This night became a core memory for our family.

It happened because we made it happen

The only reason this memory exists is because we decided to make it happen. At the start of the year, we said: "The kids are old enough. They love music. Let’s share the magic of live music with them."

Planned moments like these bring so much joy—not just in the moment but in the lead-up and long after.

• Kids value shared experiences with family: Research shows that younger kids often value material gifts more than experiences, but as they grow, shared experiences become far more meaningful. This concert wasn’t just a fun night—it was a building block in how we connect as a family.

• The joy of anticipation: Psychologists have found that looking forward to an experience can bring as much happiness as the experience itself. For weeks before the concert, the kids couldn’t stop talking about what songs he might sing, and months later, they’re still bringing it up.

• Something extra special about a “first”: Finally, first-time experiences stick with us longer because they’re tied to strong emotions. For our family, this wasn’t just a concert. It was a first—a memory that’ll last far longer than the high-five or the swag bag we lost.

Get set up for next year

As the year comes to a close, take a moment to think about one magic moment you want to create in 2024.

It doesn’t have to be a concert—it could be anything:

• Service: Volunteer together to teach the value of giving back.

• Travel: Introduce your kids to a new culture or explore somewhere you’ve never been.

• Tradition: Revisit an old family ritual or reconnect with your heritage.

• Adventure: Plan for a milestone—your kid’s first camping trip, road trip, or big event.

The best memories don’t just happen. They’re crafted with love, effort, and intention. Sure, something will go wrong (it always does), but that’s part of the magic.

So, what’s the one moment you’ll create next year? I’d love to hear your ideas—reply and share your plans!