14 Small Things That Gave Me Joy in 2024

In 2024, I got a little better at noticing and naming the small things that brought me joy, awe, wonder, and delight. Like these.

1. Boxing: In February, a friend invited to to go to a boxing class. I laughed at her. She asked again a month later. I said, “Okay.” This morning, during my weekly boxing class, I looked in the mirror and said, “Damn, you are strong.” (Seriously, I have real arm muscles!)

2. Stitching: In June, my son and I wandered into a tiny embroidery shop and each picked out a starter kit. During December, I made 15 small ornaments for neighbors and larger pieces for my mom and siblings. With every stitch, I got to think fondly of the person I was stitching for, like joyful meditation.

3. The Theater: I’ve been a theater-lover forever. But life got busy (for years and years), and I almost forgot this about myself. But this year my teenager joined a community theater troupe and suddenly wanted to come with me to All The Plays. Even Shakespeare in the Park! The best shows have been my daughter’s — especially watching her perform in Diary of Anne Frank, and then reprising it for a Holocaust education event at a local synagogue this month.

4. Book Fairs: For years, I’ve wanted to revive the in-school book fair at my kids’ school. And with a lot of volunteers and an awesome local bookstore, we made it happen! Best part? We figured out how to make sure every single student left with a book.

5. Independent Bookstores & Preschools: This year, I visited 11 local bookstores, none more than 45 miles from my home. Did I strike up conversations with just about all the owners? Absolutely. I know who my people are. Also, do you want to know the best book tour ever? Reading to toddler classrooms at local preschools.

6. Final Drafts: Writing a full-length parenting book was a terrifyingly ominous project. But in February, I turned in the WHOLE FIRST DRAFT. And then a revised draft in May. And a third revision in July. And a fourth revision in August. And approval of copy edits in November. And a formatted version out to blurbists last week. All along the way, I have been flooded with the kindest cheerleaders a nervous writer has ever had. “Raising Awe-Seekers: How the Science of Wonder Can Help Our Kids Thrive” now has a release date of May 27, 2025.

7. Tea: Perhaps it’s my UK ancestry, but a warm cup of afternoon tea (in just the right mug) makes the worst part of the day a little better (I’m not the only one who generally dislikes 2-5 pm, right? It’s the energetic armpit of the day).

8. Myths and Folklore: Every night before my 10yo goes to bed, I read him a folktale or myth. We’ve covered every corner of the globe. (Also, we just finished the book below and are running out of collections, so please let me know if you have a favorite).

9. New York Times Crossword Puzzle: My teenager and end most evenings by working on the NYtimes Crossword together. You can get into a lot of random and occasionally deep conversations based on clues, FYI.

10. My Town: We’ve lived here for almost 8 years now — the longest my husband and I have ever lived anywhere in our 20+ years together. During the November Holiday Stroll in our little downtown, I realized that I knew the name of almost every business owner — and most of them knew mine. That feels really good.

11. Daily Walks: I still take an “awe walk” almost every day. I still love listening to neighborhood birds and taking a daily picture of something wonderful. These walks still help.

12. Good Teachers: I’ve written about my son’s music teacher before. I sat in on a lesson yesterday and was grateful all over again for someone whose skills far exceed mine and who knows how to expertly nurture my son’s passion for music.

13. The Celtics: Yes, they won Banner 18. But they also provide moments like last night: My husband and I sit on the couch watching the game (while I stitch), and our son watches while balancing on his Rev Board and sharing a constant stream of basketball facts. Our daughter ignores the game, but brings in her sketchbook to be near the family as she draws. The dog is snuggled next to her.

14. This Pup: I mean, look at him.

Wishing you a multitude of small joys in 2025,

Deborah