Another year is winding down, and we are in the final stretch of 2024. In just a couple of weeks, this year will be over.
December always feels like the world hits the pause button. The usual hustle and bustle slows to a relaxed rhythm. Offices are quiet, with many employees away on vacation. People are travelling to spend time with family and friends, and life takes on a cosier vibe.
This is also the season of celebrations. Christmas and New Year’s Eve dominate the month. Everywhere you look, from stores to streets (especially in Bengaluru’s Central Business District), there’s a festive sparkle. Soon, carols will fill the air, holiday lights will glow, and Secret Santa gifts will be exchanged.
December is more than just festivities, though. It’s a time for reflection — to look back at the year gone by and think about what lies ahead. It’s a chance to be grateful, forgive, and set goals. It’s also the perfect time to unwind, recharge, and gear up for the new year.
WORK AS USUAL
That said, December doesn’t feel all that different for me. Work continues as usual, maybe even busier than other months because of reduced staff. Not everyone can take leave at the same time, after all.
Sometimes, though, December brings major news events that make it busier.
December 31, 1999, for instance. Remember the Y2K bug? Everyone was worried that computers worldwide would crash because they weren’t programmed to handle the switch from 1999 to 2000. Software engineers worked around the clock to prevent chaos. Thankfully, the world entered the new millennium without disaster.
December 24, 1999, was another when Indian Airlines flight IC 814 was hijacked. The plane landed in Kandahar, Afghanistan, on Christmas Day, and the crisis dragged on until New Year’s Eve. The Indian government had to negotiate with the hijackers and release prisoners to secure the hostages’ freedom. It was a tense, heartbreaking time — one passenger lost her life, and many were injured. Those days were really anxiety-ridden days for everyone following the news.
Another unforgettable moment was December 26, 2004, when a massive tsunami struck the coasts of South Asia following an earthquake near Sumatra. It was devastating, claiming around 228,000 lives across 15 countries. For journalists, it was an all-hands-on-deck situation, with many being called back from holidays to cover the tragedy.
A BIT DIFFERENT THIS TIME
For the first time in a while, I have something big to look forward to in the New Year. In April 2025, I’ll be retiring after 36 and a half years of work. It’s a milestone that feels both exciting and bittersweet. I’ll still keep writing and editing — it’s my passion, after all — but I won’t be clocking in as part of a formal job anymore.
As I look ahead, I feel a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. The journey so far has been rewarding, with its share of challenges and triumphs.
Retirement will undoubtedly mark a new chapter, one where I can live life at a slower pace, explore new interests, and devote more time to the things I’ve always loved to do but never got the time.
Writing, connecting with this wonderful blogging community, and exploring others’ stories will be at the heart of it all.
Here’s to savouring the present, cherishing the past, and stepping into the future with hope and excitement. Let’s make the most of what lies ahead, one day at a time!
We were vacationing in Chennai when tsunami hit there. Terrible site.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was such a horrific natural disaster.
DeleteHope you have a happy and productive retired life.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteOh wow, that is something to look forward to. I hope you enjoy your last months of work.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Liz
DeleteMerry Christmas, and Happy New Year :) Wishing you more writing, after retirement.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
Delete2024 was over all a good year for me, I hope 2025 is just as good.
ReplyDeleteI hope 2025 is a good year for you as well
Thank you so much.
DeleteMerry Christmas Pradeep - I hope you find plenty of time to spend with the family. Well done on a long and fulfilling career, and soon it will be welcome to the world of retirement - you'll love it I'm sure. I feel like it's the gift that keeps on giving. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leanne. I am looking forward to lots of time for myself. It will definitely a totally different stage in life.
DeleteVery nicely written piece and I could relate to the important events you had mentioned.
ReplyDeleteApril 2025 is not far away. I wish your post retirement is filled with peace, joy, and opportunities to do what you have been wanting to do.
May you be blessed with good health and fun-filled life.
Any plan to settle in Kerala as many do
Warm regards
Dear KP - Thank you so much. Regarding retired life, as of now I have no plans to moving to Kerala. I will continue to be in Bengaluru.
DeleteHow terrific that you are retiring, and I can highly recommend it.
ReplyDeleteAnother December event was the destruction of the largest city in Northern Territory, Australia, where the city of Darwin was all but destroyed by Cyclone Tracy during the night of the 24th.
Your cricketers are being rather impolite :-P
Cyclone Tracy must have been really horrendous. Regarding cricket, yes, there have been a few run-ins. It's definitely not acceptable, too, when it involves seniors like Virat Kohli.
DeleteHi Pradeep - it's interesting the referral back to 1999 ... seems it was a little scaremongering ... thankfully nothing happened. That highjacking must have been so challenging, then the tsunamai - that was horrific ... but now we are living in worrying times ... but how lovely to look forward to retiring - it'll be a relief and a fun adjustment ... something to look forward to - only a few months to go!! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteYou're right, dear Hilary. The 1999 stuff feels like a distant memory now. It's unbelievable how quickly time flies.You're absolutely right; those events were incredibly challenging. The hijacking and then the tsunami... it was a tough period. But focusing on the positive: retirement is just around the corner! It's definitely something to look forward to.
DeleteGosh, what an interesting post, Pradeep. All these events around Christmas and I'm ashamed to say I'd forgotten about most of them until you reminded me. Of course, the events in Magedeburg this year were awful, but not exactly at Christmas. Even so, it disrupted the whole feeling of goodwill around Christmas for us all. Congratulations on your retirement! I really hope it brings you joy to spend time on the things you love.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. I'm sorry for this very delayed reply to your comment. I was on leave for a family event, and I have been catching up on what I have missed.
DeleteThere are about three and a half months to go before I retire. I am really looking forward to it for multiple reasons. Hopefully, I will have time for everything I never had time for while I was working.
Congratulations on reaching this new chapter! I pray for a good 2025.
ReplyDeleteDear Darla - Thank you, very much.:-)
DeleteHugs to you and yours, my dear.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteOh I say - retirement is well earned! That's quite the event to look forward to in this new year. Trust me, you will be agog at how time will still seem to flit away from you! I have clicked the follow it link, so hopefully will now get your posts in a timely manner! Onward with gusto my friend!!! YAM xx
Hi Yamini - Thank you. Hopefully, I will be gainfully occupied during the retired phase with everything for which I never found time while I was working.
DeleteHappy New Year to you.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your upcoming retirement. I am sure you find lots of interest to fill your days :-)
Hi CherryPie - Thank you. Yes, that's my hope too!
DeleteIn the middle of Jan 2025, i m reading the last year unwind..felt so good... Work front was exactly as i decribed- slowed n rhythmic...Dec 1999 news feels yday..i hav hand written notes/ paper cutting from local newspaper Lokmat times of Kandhar hijack.. Just as i was lingering in that nostalgia...your Apr 2025 came up..Whoa! All the very best for new innings... 36 yrs is quite a time... Look fwd to more blog posts now :)
ReplyDeleteHi Viyoma - Wow, thank you so much! Nice to know that you have the old newspaper clippings. I too have many. Thank you for your kind words and well wishes for my new phase of retired life. It's still some three months away. Yes, 36 years was indeed a long time.
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