As the calendar turned to a new year, sophomore Connor Berona welcomed 2026 in a way that was calm, meaningful, and unlike any New Year’s celebration he had experienced before. Instead of attending a loud party or gathering with a large group of friends, Connor spent the holiday in a quiet cabin up north with his moms, enjoying a peaceful environment that made the night especially memorable.
“I celebrated New Year’s by going on a trip up north to a cabin with my moms,” Connor said. The trip itself set the tone for the celebration. With limited space and a small group, the focus shifted from hosting a big event to simply spending time together. That evening, the family stayed inside, watching movies and relaxing after the day’s travel. Dinner was simple but comforting, consisting of burgers that Connor described as a traditional “American dinner.” Throughout the night, they also snacked on candy and other treats.
While the activities inside the cabin were enjoyable, the most unforgettable part of the night came from outside. “My most memorable moment was looking outside to see snow falling hard, the first time in my life I’d seen anything but flurries,” Connor said. Seeing heavy snowfall for the first time left a strong impression on him and made the celebration feel almost surreal.
Even with the relaxed setting, Connor still stayed up until midnight to welcome the New Year. He counted down by watching the NYC Times Square ball drop, keeping a classic New Year’s tradition alive despite being far from the city. Another tradition he followed was having a glass of sparkling juice at midnight. “That was really the only tradition we could do out in the cabin since we didn’t have enough room or enough people for our typical New Year’s party,” he explained.
When comparing this year’s celebration to last year’s, Connor said it was amazing, especially because of the setting. The change of environment helped turn a simple celebration into something he will remember for years to come. As for how he felt starting the New Year, Connor described it in just one word. “Tired,” he said, explaining that he went to bed only minutes after midnight. Looking ahead, Connor mentioned that he usually doesn’t make New Year’s resolutions, but this year he has a personal goal. He hopes to lose some weight and gain muscle over the course of the year.
