As midnight approached on December 31, 2023, we gathered at our co-living space in Anjuna. The place was alive with the buzz of neighbours and their kids, all eagerly waiting for the night’s special event.
Goan Traditions: The Old Man
In true Goan style, we embraced the local tradition of burning the Old Man, symbolizing the burning away of all things old and the welcoming of new beginnings. While the custom is to set the old man on fire at midnight, we decided to bend the rules slightly. We lit it an hour earlier, ensuring that the kids could take part in the cultural experience. After all, it’s already the New Year somewhere in the world, isn’t it?
The Making Of The Old Man
Earlier in the afternoon, we gathered to assemble the Old Man, a symbol of the New Year in Goa. Composed of wood, straw, and an array of old clothes, each element of the effigy was layered with creativity and shared memories. Worn shirts, tattered trousers, and a touch of paint brought him to life, not just as an effigy but as a mosaic of the past year’s experiences, ready to be symbolically released into the flames. One thing is certain: we’ll be carrying this beautiful tradition, along with the lessons and bonds it has fostered, into the future.
A Night To Remember
The evening was so much more than just a regular celebration; it turned into a night full of new friendships and fun. Despite language differences, the kids played and laughed together, showing that fun doesn’t need words, even when they speak different languages. To our surprise, a game of Bingo became a major highlight of the night; far more than just a game, it made us laugh and brought us all into great conversations. Sharing stories and jokes with new friends, we created a night full of unforgettable moments and experiences.
Reflections & Resolutions for 2024
The burning of the Old Man symbolized more than just the transition into 2024. It became a symbol of melting away barriers, the warmth of community, and the bright spark of new friendships. This celebration was not just about stepping into a new year; it was about embodying our aspirations for 2024: family, community, and a more grounded life, living in the moment. We’re deeply grateful for the past year, for the flourishing of new friendships, and particularly for everything we’ve learned and the new paths that have unfolded before us, thanks to these newfound connections.
Participating in Boundless Life was a definitive highlight of our year, profoundly influencing how we live now and how we envision our future. This year taught us the value of community and the importance of nurturing those connections. We’ve realized the joy of spending quality time with our kids, embracing the great outdoors as our playground, reaffirming our commitment to a lifestyle that minimizes our dependence on cars. It’s been a journey of discovery, understanding that it’s okay not to have everything in our life figured out just yet. We’re learning what works for us, recognizing that it may differ from others’ paths. And perhaps the most significant lesson we’ve learned this year is the understanding that we need far fewer material things than we previously thought. With these insights, we’re ready for 2024, looking forward to living and learning more intentionally ✨
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