Skip to main content
OnPoint Now

Year-End Reflections: Seeking Personal Favorites for the Cultural Retrospection of 2024

As December approaches, enthusiasts are invited to share their cultural favorites from the past year, moving beyond expert critics to embrace personal recommendations.

By Melissa KirschSource: nytimes.com1 min read

In brief

December marks a time for cultural introspection as critics release their best-of lists for 2024, prompting individuals to reflect on their own favorites across various genres and categories, transcending traditional boundaries.

As the holiday season envelops us in its charm, December also ushers in an exciting time for culture enthusiasts—it's when critics unveil their highly anticipated best-of lists for movies, music, books, and other forms of cultural expression from the past year. For those of us who take pleasure in sifting through these curated recommendations, it often feels like a treasure trove of potential experiences to explore.However, while critics possess invaluable expertise and provide deeper insights into artistic works, it's difficult not to yearn for input from our personal circles as well. There's something uniquely enriching in understanding what friends and family enjoyed, what resonated with them, and why they held certain works in high regard. This holiday season, I dream of gathering recommendations from fellow subway commuters, quizzing them on their standout films and unexpected favorites from 2024.But who says we should limit ourselves to only the usual suspects? Lists typically prioritize films, books, and songs, but I crave a broader view. What about the best piece of advice you received this year? Or perhaps the most satisfying dinner recipe you attempted? Let's celebrate the full spectrum of experiences that have colored our lives over the past twelve months.Thus, I invite you to participate in this year’s cultural survey by submitting your highlights. What did you stumble upon that sparked your interest or moved you deeply? Your unique discoveries might just resonate with someone else and foster deeper connections within our community.As you ponder your culture favorites, remember that lists don’t solely define our tastes but also serve as a reflection of how we’ve lived and learned through art. Whether it's the best new cocktail recipe you concocted or a cherished piece of poetry, your contributions will add vibrant colors to our communal tapestry of 2024.Don’t hold back—share your personal bests from this past year, and let's craft a collective narrative filled with shared inspirations and unexpected joys.

Topics

More on this story