Hey, beautiful people.
It’s already June, and yet my heart still clings to the warmth of a night that passed over six months ago—the New Year’s Eve celebration we hosted at our home. It wasn’t just a party. It was a moment in time stitched together by laughter, music, food, love, and an overwhelming sense of togetherness that I’ll carry with me forever.
December 30: The Calm Before the Sparkle
I woke up on December 30th with butterflies in my stomach—excited, overwhelmed, and determined. Guests were already trickling in, and I knew that day would be a race against time. My first mission? Sam’s Club. Of course, I had left the final grocery haul for the very last day (classic me).
But before I dashed out, I took a moment to appreciate the small victories—like the pantry I had reorganized just in time for guests to peek inside. It wasn’t perfect, but it was mine. I had cleared out so many unused things, made space, made sense of the chaos. That small sense of control meant more than I realized.
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The Drinks That Stole the Show
Later that day, I got to show off what might have been one of our proudest pre-party achievements: our drink station. We lined up our collection like trophies—Beyoncé bottles, Hennessy, Jack Daniel’s, creamy eggnog, a few fancy wines Darius had just brought in, and of course… Casamigos.
Now, let me tell y’all about that strawberry-infused Casamigos tequila. Darius and I decided to get creative—slice up strawberries, soak them, and let the magic happen. I had my doubts. Tequila and fruit? I wasn’t sure. But when we tried it? Whew. It tasted like pure summer poured into a shot glass. It was smooth, refreshing, and honestly became the signature sip of the night.
A Choice That Came From the Heart
One of the most important calls I made wasn’t about food or decorations—it was about safety. I told everyone: “You’re staying here tonight.” No Uber, no hotel hopping. We’ve got enough beds, blankets, and recliners to go around. The home theater downstairs turned into a cozy sleepover zone. Because to me, having a good time is one thing—but making sure everyone wakes up safe the next morning? That’s love.
The Final Run—Sam’s Club Adventures
That Sam’s Club run? I’ll never forget it. The weather flipped on us—starting out mild and sunny, then suddenly dropping to bone-chilling cold. But the biggest surprise? They were selling fireworks! We stood there debating whether lighting them was legal or just bold holiday spirit.
What truly impressed me was the self-checkout scan-and-go. No lines, no fuss—Darius scanned it all, and we strolled out like VIPs. That little convenience gave us back time we didn’t even know we needed.
Into the Kitchen—With Big Dreams and Chicken
Once home, the cooking frenzy began. Twenty-five chicken pieces. Pork butt. Roast beef. Fresh fajitas sizzling in the pan. We were chopping bell peppers, stirring rice and beans, prepping banana pudding, tossing chicken salad. It wasn’t just a menu—it was a mission.
And of course, we couldn't cook without sipping our new favorite: the strawberry tequila. We poured it into mason jars, chilled them, and even talked about crushing strawberries at the bottom for mini cocktails. It felt like the beginning of a tradition.
When the Clock Hit 7:30
By 7:30 PM, the house was alive. People were everywhere—laughing, hugging, grabbing plates, snapping photos. I took a sip of my drink and thought, “Wow, it feels like midnight already.” But the night was just getting started. And the game of the night? King’s Cup.
King’s Cup Madness
We needed two decks because there were just too many of us. I had to break down the rules like it was a masterclass. And still—chaos. The “mate” rule had folks pointing fingers. The “waterfall” round had everyone chugging. One poor soul had to down their whole cup in 8 seconds. We laughed, we gasped, we played hard. It was messy, wild, and absolutely perfect.
3, 2, 1...
Then came the moment we’d been waiting for. The clock hit 11:59.
We gathered together in the living room, plates in hand, glasses in the air. Countdown started: “3... 2... 1…” and we all shouted, “HAPPY NEW YEAR!”
That sound—the joy, the screams, the laughter—echoed through the house like a song. I looked around and saw not just friends or family, but a tribe. A circle of love.
A Sleepy, Sweet Ending
By the end of the night, I was running on empty—but my heart was full. I sat down for a second, ate my banana pudding, and... knocked out three minutes later. Literally. I woke up with a spoon still in my hand. But everyone was safe. Everyone was happy. That was all that mattered.
Half a Year Later…
Now, six months later, I realize something deeper. That night wasn’t just about a party. It was about intention. The intention to love deeply. To prepare with care. To protect each other. To savor the moment.
These memories aren’t just in my camera roll. They’re in my bones. And they remind me that we don’t need a holiday to celebrate life. We just need each other.
Thank you for reading, for remembering with me, and for being part of the energy that made that night magic.
More stories soon, y’all. Until then—
Stay blessed, stay safe, and always keep God first in your life. 💛
