Last-minute moments worth making

Every year, I toil and toil over the Family Memories book.

It’s a massive project requiring too many decisions and too little time: sorting through a million photos on my phone, uploading them along with the hubs’ flurry of photos texted to me (I always ask last-minute), then choosing the layout spreads and making them all fit.

Is it worth it? Sure is. Especially since an entire spread is devoted to this handsome fella, which has become our most looked-forward-to part:

In the spirit of making memorable moments, here are some ideas to top off 2025, PLUS 5 fun things to do this week, including – and I can’t believe I’m just learning about this – a Duran Duran TRIBUTE BAND??? 🎸💋 OMG, I’m 12 all over again.

Thanks for reading & Happy New Year!

Kim Neumann

A few ideas for wrapping up 2025 🍸

REDWOOD NIGHTS ~ Storytelling Under the Stars at Deer Park Villa, 12/30
Hosted by award-winning NPR storyteller Don Reed, this intimate outdoor storytelling evening unfolds beneath the redwoods at Deer Park Villa. The Dec. 30 pre–New Year’s show centers on the theme “Time to Change…” — a thoughtful, end-of-year reflection delivered live, with warmth and wit. The garden setting is equipped with heaters and a limited number of cozy blankets, plus a full bar and seasonal bites available on site. Seating is provided; the event moves indoors if weather calls for it. Ages 17+. Early tickets tend to sell out.

Bootleggers New Year’s Eve at Mac’s – The Forbidden Party, 12/31
This year, Mac’s transforms into a roaring speakeasy, glowing in gold with high-energy DJs, vintage glamour, and the kind of party energy you can only find at Fairfax’s most iconic cocktail lounge. Step inside the dim lights, the clinking glasses, the live countdown excitement, and the sound of three DJs battling for the best set of the night. Whether you're coming with friends, a date, or rolling with a whole crew — this will be a packed house and a night full of energy, music, and nonstop dancing.

Spirit Rock: New Year’s Eve Ceremony & Celebration: Presence, Belonging, and Intention, 12/31
A year-end gathering for reflection and renewal, featuring Dharma teachings, ritual, and uplifting music by Wildchoir—an invitation to come together in community, honor impermanence, and welcome what lies ahead.

Noon Year's Eve - Bay Area Discovery Museum, 12/31
Ring in the New Year early with a kid-friendly countdown, confetti, and family fun at the Bay Area Discovery Museum’s Noon Year’s Eve party.

Bouncy Ball New Year's Eve - Novato, 12/31
Kids are invited to Downtown Novato to see what happens when 25,000 bouncy balls are dropped onto the street from a ladder truck 40 feet in the air!

See more events here.

Thanks for reading & see you in ‘26!
Kim

Kim Neumann, Publisher