Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

What was your highlight of 2023?

38 replies

Snapperwhipper · 30/12/2023 21:08

Out of interest, as the last days of the year wane...

Let's fill the thread with happy memories of 2023, big or small!

I think mine was sailing for the first time in years, I had a great time on the waves!

OP posts:
FloweryFlump · 30/12/2023 21:14

Mine was having bariatric surgery in April, having struggled with my weight for decades. Now I'm 7.5 stones lighter and can be mobile and present for DS. I'm also completely pain-free and no longer pre-diabetic. It's changed my life, in fact I barely had a life. I was pretty much immobile and in constant pain. I am looking forward to 2024 and excited to find out what new adventures there'll be for me. 😊

Andnowshesatoddler · 30/12/2023 21:20

Seeing my wonderful daughter change so much, she's become a delightful toddler and I'm so fortunate.

bakewellbride · 30/12/2023 21:21

First ever family holiday (and eldest is 5!) it was only butlins but honestly both kids just absolutely adored it.

adventangelicat · 30/12/2023 21:25

We went on an amazing holiday to USA and Canada and some great smaller trips including camping and a week on a narrow boat

I had a big, career defining success at work

I decided to embrace the fact my hair is wavy/curly and am liking it so far on most days

I got a season ticket for my football club and my love for it deepened

I turned 40 and had a lovely party

Downtherefordancing · 30/12/2023 21:32

Managed to turn my finances round this year!

Realising I couldn’t afford my mortgage anymore (even though I’d been paying it comfortably for years - thanks tories!) I sold my house and made
a lot more money than I thought I would.

Managed to buy a house a few miles away for a much lower price. It needs some work but … no mortgage!!

It is so nice that 50% of my salary is no longer going on mortgage payments 😊

Bechey · 30/12/2023 21:38

My abusive husband left and me and my children have had a fabulous year of new memories. We’ve grown as a team and are unrecognisable from the people we were this time last year, for the better. I’ll be raising a glass to 2023 and highly looking forward to more brilliant times in 2024.

LoveRules · 30/12/2023 21:38

Meeting my incredible and wonderful boyfriend in Jan after 5 years of online dating and before that 20 years of a marriage to a wrong-un.

We are buying a house together now and looking forward to no more commuting or being apart. We are ridiculously similar and spend most of our time laughing. Our teens get on really well and think their parent's new partner is great.

jesper1 · 30/12/2023 21:39

FloweryFlump · 30/12/2023 21:14

Mine was having bariatric surgery in April, having struggled with my weight for decades. Now I'm 7.5 stones lighter and can be mobile and present for DS. I'm also completely pain-free and no longer pre-diabetic. It's changed my life, in fact I barely had a life. I was pretty much immobile and in constant pain. I am looking forward to 2024 and excited to find out what new adventures there'll be for me. 😊

Can I ask what eating is like after and if you went private. Have been thinking about this

SnowSnow · 30/12/2023 21:39

Having our baby boy conceived after over 7 years ttc

covidpanic · 30/12/2023 21:39

Starting therapy in July 2023, for the umpteenth time; but this time I was able to talk to the therapist and tell her stuff. Things I’d never told another human being.

She listened, believed me and for the first time in my life I actually feel understood and like things could get better.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 30/12/2023 21:41

Swimming in the harbour in Reykavik!

fishfingersandtoes · 30/12/2023 21:42

My first ever time going in a helicopter and my 15 year old son was co-piloting (a taster lesson for his birthday). It was very exciting!
First time I ever went to Corfu and it was beautiful and really relaxing.
Moved to a house with a bigger garden and get a kick out of mowing stripes into the lawn.

LollipopViolet · 30/12/2023 21:43

My grandma, having been diagnosed with cancer in February, and a secondary tumor in July, and having 2 major surgeries at 78, being given the all clear earlier this month. Early days but it was a magical early Christmas present.

My dear friend became pregnant and is due in early 2024, a much wanted baby.

Some successes in my sport and growth in my skills as an athlete and trainee coach.

In January I'll celebrate 4 years in my current job - the longest I've ever worked thanks to many, many jobs that didn't pan out and many, many more months on benefits. As a visually impaired person, finding and keeping work is a huge achievement.

NewYearNewMeMamma · 30/12/2023 21:44

Having my last baby; baby no4. It's been wonderful the last 5 months with him in our lives but my God is it bittersweet knowing I won't do it again.

crumblingschools · 30/12/2023 21:45

DS going off to university (hard for me but brilliant for him)

MrsFloof · 30/12/2023 21:47

Lovely holiday in Mauritius with my daughter.

Lovely break in Azores with my husband.

Daughter getting an Oxford Uni interview.

Grumpystripes · 30/12/2023 21:48

Running the London Marathon. First marathon. I wasn't fast but it was the most amazing day and I raised £10000 for cancer research in the memory of my beloved friend.

leccybill · 30/12/2023 21:52

The day of Eurovision in Liverpool. It was such a fantastic, sunny joy-filled day in which I was so proud of my city. I took my huge EU flag in and loads asked for a photo with it. My DD performed at one of the outdoor stages and it was just all so bloody brilliant.

Had 2 great holidays to Spain and Greece.
Really enjoyed my job.
DD played her dream role in a big show.
It's been a good year for us.

Excitingnewusername · 30/12/2023 21:53

I got the dream job I've been working for since high school (in my 40s now) this year. It has taken a lot of effort, commitment, sacrifice, and there have been many set backs along the way. So far, things are going well.

I'm still getting used to the idea that all being well, the regular and decent pay cheque will keep arriving every month and I don't need to constantly be thinking about plans x,y,z as possible backups and having no sense that I can really plan or control my life in any real sense and that everything is on hold.

I can't celebrate this too much publically as cost of living is hurting so many, but our income has almost doubled and I'm finally starting to feel like I can spend a little money on things other than bills and scrabbling as much as possible in to savings.

Typing this still feels like I risk jinxing things.

Namechangeforthis88 · 30/12/2023 21:54

I came on to say this before seeing the ops highlight was sailing, a two day canoe trip on a river. Like a real life log flume ride that went on for hours. Lovely company and great weather.

I feel very fortunate reading others' posts that neither me nor anyone close to me has had any major health concerns to overcome.

overmydeadbody · 30/12/2023 22:01

Going sea swimming over a hundred times this year (so about twice a week). Two years ago I would not have believed it was possible or that I would enjoy it so much.

Getting into the sea even when the waves are big, in winter, with just a swimsuit on💪😊

Lizzieregina · 30/12/2023 22:03

My daughter got married and it was an epic 5
day party that people are still talking about. It was brilliant.

ThequalityoftheReps · 30/12/2023 22:04

It was marvellous compared to 2022 so just it not being 2022 is my highlight. I've got a low baseline here but it's been a good year in so much as it's level up from previous year and years.

It's so nice to not be looking forward to seeing the back of a shitty year once again.

Thank you to 2023 and welcome 2024 is my view atm.

Runnerduck34 · 30/12/2023 22:06

I started a new job ( promotion)
Got our finances sorted.
DD 3 passed her maths GCSE ( huge achievement for her as had been out of education for 3 years)
DD 1 got a first in her degree and has started her masters.
DD 2 started uni
DS finished his apprenticeship and moved into his own place with his GF.
Had a lovely holiday in Greece.

TheFairyCaravan · 30/12/2023 22:07

Our grandson being born on Boxing Day, 3 weeks early, then meeting him today. He’s truly the best thing that’s ever happened to me since the birth of my own DSes and my DDIL is the most brilliant mother.