As 2024 is coming to its end, it’s hard to believe how much has happened in just one year. It’s been a year of excitement, new experiences, creativity. From big milestones to art and great travel to parties it has truly been great one.
As we step into 2025, it’s hard to ignore the strange realization that the 2050s are getting closer. It’s one of those mind-bending thoughts that makes you feel like time is both racing ahead and slipping away. And speaking of time flying, 2025 will be my last year in my 30s. It feels surreal to think that I’m approaching the end of a decade—one that’s been full major life changes. And just when you think it can’t get any more interesting, next year kicks off with WTF—Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. What a way to start the new year!
Let’s take a look back at some of the highlights that made this year unforgettable, it’s time for the wrap up. First and foremost, one of the most significant moments of 2024 was getting engaged. That milestone was a huge one, and on top of that, we bought a row house! Having always lived in a flat, I had never experienced the joy (and occasional stress) of owning a home. The idea of having our own outdoor terrace, a sauna, and two floors is absolutely fantastic. We’re still settling in, but every day feels like a step closer to making this house truly ours.
My fiancé, who’s an avid Chelsea fan, brought this sign from London.
One of my favorite little projects this year was a DIY project with our hallway cabinet. I decided to get creative and spray-paint it a bold gold-pink color. It may seem like a simple change, but it completely transformed the space and gave the hallway a fresh, vibrant feeling.
A Year of Travel, Traditions, and New Adventures
2024 also gave me the chance to explore various destinations and embrace new traditions. I kicked off the year with trips to Riga, Latvia, and Rome, Naples and Lake Albano in Italy, where I was mesmerized by their history and beauty. My best city destination this year was London though, where we spent a lot of time exploring vibrant streets and enjoying the pub scene. Of course, there were also a few spontaneous weekend trips to Tallinn, Estonia. And no year would be complete without a few business trips, this time to Stockholm and Windsor, which added an extra layer of excitement to my travels.
Annual traditions like Eurovision and Oktoberfest were as exciting as always. These events never fail to bring joy and gather friends together for a great time. One of my greatest moments of the year was hosting my first-ever Christmas dinner. Sure, it was a bit chaotic, but it ended with a warm, joyful celebration that I’ll always cherish.
Summer weekends at the cottage were another highlight. There’s something incredibly peaceful about being surrounded by nature, and those weekends gave me a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. We rented cabins in Orimattila and Mathildedal, and those getaways provided the perfect retreat.
A Great Year of Culture
2024 was truly a year full of cultural exploration. From concerts to museum visits, and from audiobooks to creative hobbies, it was a year filled with inspiration.
I started the year with some great performances—from the legendary Bruce Springsteen to the high-energy antics of Sleepy Sleepers. These concerts were a fantastic way to experience the magic of live music. A fun memory to wrap up the year was seeing Ismo Leikola, Finland’s own stand-up comedy gem, live on stage.
Beyond music, I dived into the world of art and history. The Banksy exhibition in Tallinn was a highlight, showcasing the iconic street artist’s powerful works.
In Stockholm, I had the chance to experience ABBA’s incredible journey at the ABBA Museum, celebrating their 50th anniversary. Closer to home, I visited the Amos Rex and Ateneum museums in Helsinki, and I also enjoyed the Didrichsen exhibition in Espoo—each offering fresh perspectives on contemporary and classical art. I did have one disappointment, though—the Sherlock Holmes exhibition in London didn’t quite live up to the hype, but it was still an enjoyable dive into the world of mystery.
Another great experience was a walking tour in Helsinki. We explored Eiran huvilat (Eira’s villas) and heard about the tragic love stories tied to the city’s historical architecture. It was a meaningful way to connect with the place I call home.
Audiobooks: A Year of Discovery
One of the most enriching aspects of 2024 was diving into a variety of audiobooks, which broadened my knowledge and deepened my understanding of fascinating people and their lives. Here’s a glimpse into some of the unforgettable figures featured in the audiobooks I enjoyed:
- Silk Road by Peter Frankopan: This fascinating historical exploration gave me a fresh perspective on world history, challenging the Eurocentric view and shedding light on the East’s influence in shaping civilizations.
- Heikki Silvennoinen – Nousut ja Laskut: Heikki Silvennoinen, a legendary figure in Finland’s cultural landscape, passed away in December 2024. Listening to his works throughout the year felt like a tribute to his legacy for Finnish comedy.
- Mara – Unohtumaton Martti Ahtisaari: This audiobook on Nobel Peace Prize laureate Martti Ahtisaari took me through his remarkable work in conflict resolution. His leadership in Namibia and Kosovo left a lasting impact on the world, reinforcing the importance of diplomacy in a complex world. His time in the public eye was more complicated in Finland, although being much appreciated out of the country.
- Cher: Cher’s audiobook offered a captivating behind-the-scenes look at her legendary career—from her early days with Sonny & Cher to her reinvention as a solo artist. Her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and staying relevant in the ever-changing entertainment world.
- Rebel Rising: From the breakout star of Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids this book is a refreshingly honest, laugh-out-loud, telling about her unique path to Hollywood success and embracing self-love and acceptance.
- Paleface: The life and music of Karri Miettinen, known as Paleface, explored into the intersection of music and activism. His platform to address important social issues resonated with me, reminding me of the power of creativity in inspiring change.
Great Parties, Creative Pursuits and New Experiences
2024 was a year filled with unforgettable parties, many of which celebrated friends hitting the big 40. But it wasn’t just about the parties—this year also marked some exciting personal milestones, especially on the creative front. One of the most fulfilling experiences was a painting session I attended with my co-workers. It turned out to be far more rewarding than I had anticipated. In addition, I also joined a vegan cooking class. Initially, I wasn’t sure if plant-based food was for me, but I was pleasantly surprised by the variety and flavors it offered. While I’ll still enjoy my usual mixed diet, I’m now much more open to exploring vegan dishes without any hesitation.
Year as a Blogger: Reflections on My 2024 Posts
My blog posts this year have covered everything from the cultural impact of colors to deep dives into television shows, travel experiences, and the changing nature of comedy. Each post has been a unique window into my thoughts, insights, and the world around me. Here’s a roundup of the blog posts from 2024.
Well, the year kicks off with WTF, so it’s definitely off to an interesting start! Can’t wait to see how it all turns out. I look forward to continuing my journey of growth in 2025, with new adventures, challenges, and opportunities ahead.
Jackinna of all Trades 