This wasn’t written immediately https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Year . It took a little distance to know that something had, in fact, occurred. Not loudly. Not in a way that demanded attention. Still, it sat there, asking to be acknowledged. So, welcome to “31 December 2025 To 1 January 2026 : How We Let The Year In”.

I’m putting this down now, not to explain it, but to keep it from disappearing. I wasn’t sure whether to write this at all. Some moments feel altered the moment they’re named. Still, leaving it unwritten felt like a loss.

To know the deets of from our balcony to the world on new year’s eve, click on From Our Balcony To The World : New Year’s Eve – Wander, Feast & Thrive

How We Let The Year In : 31 December 2025 to 1 January 2026

31st December 2025 arrived cold and quiet. After morning chores, we connected with family via WhatsApp video calls. Lunch was prepared and enjoyed leisurely. With our upcoming move and the dreary weather, we didn’t plan anything special for the day. Evening fell without fanfare.

We yearned to create an unforgettable memory on our final New Year’s Eve in Canada. Despite the inclement weather, we felt the excitement for the Harbourfront fireworks one last time. However, facing the crowd and harsh conditions, we chose to forgo that spectacle and opted for outdoor dining at Boston Pizza, the only restaurant welcoming us which was open near to our condo, cos all closed early.

We eagerly prepared ourselves and ventured out, excitement coursing through our veins. As we were seated with a breathtaking view, an exhilarating surge of happiness enveloped us. We delightfully ordered the mouthwatering stuffed mozzarella sticks accompanied by tangy pizza sauce as our appetizer. For drinks, I savored the crispness of cranberry juice while my husband relished a refreshing Diet Coke.

For our main course, I went for a yummy Cali Veg Burger with sweet potato fries, while my husband dived into a tasty Mediterranean pizza. After our awesome meal, we took a nice stroll to enjoy the cool evening breeze, which helped us digest all that delicious food, soaking up every moment as the year was about to wrap up. We made use of the free subway ride atleast from Sheppard Yonge to North York Centre.

Packed Up The Leftovers Into Containers : How We Left The Year In

We packed up the leftover feast into containers and cruised all the way to Sheppard–Yonge and back. But when we finally got home, we were pretty bummed to see the heater was still out. Just when it felt like time was dragging, our phones lit up with a ton of calls from India.

We were hanging by the balcony door, hearts racing, waiting for the fireworks and the clock to strike midnight, super pumped for 2026 to kick off. Fireworks started lighting up the sky before twelve, sparking all kinds of hope in us. We welcomed the new year like an old buddy and then crashed into sleep, dreaming about all the good times coming our way.

We woke up on 1st January 2026 with refreshed energy. Morning rituals were completed. We began some cleaning as part of winding up. Lunch was reheated using leftovers. We started the new year by eating what remained, because food cannot be wasted. We rested for a while and then got ready for our mandatory temple visit.

Took The Subway Running On Holiday Schedule : 31 December 2025 To 1 January 2026

We took the holiday subway to York Mills, then the express bus to Midland Avenue at Ellesmere Road, and walked to the temple. We prayed for well-being, received prasad, and left. Then, we took a bus to McCowan Avenue for dinner at Saravana Bhavan.

The weather was chilly, and my fingers were freezing at the packed restaurant. After waiting for half an hour, we snagged a corner table and ordered curry leaves soup, which hit the spot. I had methi paratha with malai kofta, while my husband chose chana bhatura. We packed up leftovers, took the train home, and chilled out before calling it a night.

The next day moved on as usual with more cleaning. In the evening, we donated our belongings at a thrift store. My husband suggested dinner at Saravana Bhavan again. We had a bigger table this time; I enjoyed adai with aviyal, while he ordered masala dosa, and we shared medhu vada. We took the bus and subway back home.

Time moved the way it always does. Even when we wish it would slow down, it doesn’t. Days continue at their own speed. We welcomed the new year in the way we could, in the way we chose, and in the way it allowed us to.