It’s that time of year when Christmas is over, the gifts are all stored away, and the leftover Christmas dinner has been consumed. The end of 2024 is approaching, and everyone has their own way of welcoming the new year, whether it’s a fancy party or a cozy night in with loved ones. As we reflect on the memorable moments of 2024, let’s also reminisce about a time when planning for New Year’s Eve was a big deal.
I don’t get excited about New Year’s Eve—
But I’m excited about January 20th!
— Allen Mashburn (@Mashburn4NC) December 27, 2024
As we age from 25 to 55 and beyond, our lives undergo significant transformations with school, work, marriage, and family becoming priorities. But back in the day, perhaps in the eighties, things were quite different. Planning for a New Year’s celebration, especially for young women in their twenties, was crucial. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the outfit. The eighties were all about big hair and shoulder pads for women, and even the men had that one outfit that made them feel confident when mingling with the opposite sex. My go-to outfit consisted of a faux leather skirt, white blouse, a red belt, and matching red shoes, with impeccable makeup and voluminous hair, I felt like a superstar.
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Choosing the right location to ring in the new year was also important. Every city has its hotspot, and in St. Louis, it was “Laclede’s Landing” or simply “The Landing.” This area along the Mississippi riverfront was lined with bars and restaurants, offering a range of atmospheres from loud and boisterous to more upscale settings. I, along with three girlfriends, explored The Landing that night, eventually ending up at a lively venue by midnight. It was a time when a group of girls easily attracted attention from the guys, many of whom we already knew. Finding a midnight kiss was never a problem with familiar faces around. Looking back, it felt like a much safer and simpler time, although maybe it was just our perception.
Welcome to your 40’s: stop agreeing to go to New Year’s Eve parties, you’re not gonna make it.
— Not Today Eric (@NotTodayEric) December 26, 2024
Well, fast forward. Here we are in 2024. The clothes are a bit more comfortable, the hair not big anymore, and no one goes to The Landing anymore — too dangerous an area. The place to be is still downtown, but now it is along Washington Avenue, or “Wash-ave,” as the kids call it. The fact that I know that makes me think I am still slightly cool. But New Year’s Eve is very different. I will be in my comfy clothes by 7 p.m. I will be parked on the couch with my husband, not sure what we will be watching just yet, and we will break out our New Year’s Eve munchies, maybe some cheese and crackers, a small plate of shrimp, and a bottle of champagne. Like I said, I guess it was inevitable.Â
But all those rowdy New Year’s Eves of our youth were for a reason. They taught us that, ultimately, it’s not about what you are wearing or where you spend it. It’s about who you spend it with, and maybe you can look back at those crazy times and smile just a bit. Because they led you to the place you are now. I love my New Year’s Eves now spent at home in my jammies with my husband, but I’ll be honest: even today, I still love red shoes.
😄 Good Morning from SC! Trying to decide what I’ll wear for new year’s eve this year 🤔 I’m thinking informal evening gown 🤣 How about you? pic.twitter.com/t2pdumacec
— JuliasSimplySouthern (@JuliaDJordan) December 26, 2024
