New years always begin with such anticipation while we end each year with a tinge of nostalgia, a mood of reflection and sometimes, a sigh of relief that another year is over. Well, this is it – we're coming to the end of 2024 and as we wind down for what was yet another tumultuous year, it's time to look back, be grateful for the good things that happened and take the bad in our stride and move onwards and upwards.

As part of our annual tradition, we asked our friends what they thought of 2024 and what they are looking forward to in the new year. Here's the first instalment.