How are things where you are, dear reader? Are you easing back into your usual routines after a holiday escape to the countryside, the coast, or the mountains? Or perhaps you’re still savoring the delights of Courchevel, Zermatt, or Vail? Maybe you’ve left the family chalet and dashed off to Marrakech, the Maldives, or the balmy shores of Bondi? Up here in Gstaad, the scene is buzzing with life. The promenades are filled with fur-trimmed parkas and the hum of multiple languages—German, French, Arabic, Mandarin—while the warm glow of boutique windows competes with the snow’s sparkling brilliance.
It’s the heart of the holiday season, and while I imagined mornings spent nestled by the fire catching up on stacks of print treasures—recent issues of Kinfolk, Apartamento, and AD Italia, as well as that intriguing pile of unread essays from a Japanese bookshop visit—the pull of the village is impossible to resist. From pop-up galleries to new bistros serving everything from truffle-laden tagliatelle to impeccable fondue, Gstaad is a veritable feast for the senses. My sofa aspirations? Temporarily on hold.
But as the final days of December unfold, I find myself longing for a quieter rhythm. Starting 1 January, I plan to block off moments for uninterrupted reading and perhaps even put pen to paper—there’s a half-finished essay or two that could use my attention. Until then, brisk walks along the mountain trails have proven to be my best moments of reflection, offering a chance to sketch out hopes and plans for the year ahead while breathing in the crisp alpine air.
With the clock ticking towards New Year’s Eve, there’s a certain magic in the air. And as we count down to the start of a fresh chapter, here’s to letting the snowy paths and sunlit slopes inspire our aspirations and set the tone for the months to come. Here are a few wishes for 2025.
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I’m not setting grand resolutions for 2025, but I do hope it becomes the year of the dinner party revival. I’m not talking about the hasty, improvised gatherings of the pandemic years but a return to the spontaneous, slightly chaotic elegance of the early 2000s. Think mismatched plates, wine-stained tablecloths, and conversations that stretch late into the night. I’m ready to host, but I’m equally happy to graciously accept invitations.
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I hope 2025 sees towns and cities prioritizing thoughtful urban planning that safeguards essential businesses—hardware stores, independent bookstores, cobblers, and tailors—against the tide of homogeneity. These are the lifeblood of vibrant communities, and while convenience retail has its place, it shouldn’t come at the expense of unique, small-scale enterprises. Whether driven by public policy or private initiatives, we need a vision for our streets that balances progress with preservation.
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This year, I’d like to see public spaces designed for people first. Parks with proper benches, squares with shaded seating, and sidewalks wide enough for a comfortable stroll should be the baseline, not a luxury. Thoughtful design can transform the way we experience our cities and reconnect us to their rhythms.
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Let 2025 be the year we reimagine travel. Less emphasis on ticking off bucket lists and more focus on meaningful journeys—visiting less crowded destinations, embracing slower modes of transport, and truly immersing ourselves in the places we go. Quality over quantity should define our passports.
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I hope the art of letter writing makes a comeback. A handwritten note, whether to celebrate, console, or simply check in, has an unmatched charm. There’s something deeply personal and human about seeing someone’s thoughts in their own penmanship.
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I’d love to see more cities embrace local food systems—not just trendy farmers’ markets but genuine support for urban agriculture, community gardens, and farm-to-table programs that benefit both producers and consumers. It’s a win for sustainability, health, and community ties.
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In 2025, I’d like to see a greater focus on personal downtime. Let’s normalize saying no to endless notifications, choosing books over screens, and scheduling time to simply do nothing. The pursuit of productivity has its place, but so does rest.
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This year, I want libraries to shine. Beyond being book repositories, they’re hubs of knowledge, culture, and community. Let’s champion them as the vital public spaces they are, with expanded funding, programming, and visibility.
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Let’s make 2025 the year we revalue craftsmanship. From hand-tailored clothing to artisanal ceramics, there’s something magical about items made with care and skill. Supporting these creators keeps traditions alive and connects us to the stories behind the objects we use and cherish.
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Finally, let’s welcome 2025 with a renewed sense of optimism—not blind positivity, but a hopeful belief that we can address challenges creatively and collaboratively. Whether it’s in climate action, social equity, or personal growth, let’s commit to taking bold, thoughtful steps forward.
Thank you for all your comments, tips and ideas across the past year. Looking forward to plenty more in 2025. Wishing you a healthy, happy and prosperous year ahead.
Love this!
Glad you enjoyed the article Rafael! I hope your 2025 kicks off in a good way.