I virtually can’t imagine it, however 2023 is almost over.

This is our final publication of the yr, so I needed to thanks for beginning your morning with our protection of our favourite state.

It has been a delight to have the ability to journey throughout California and study its unusual historical past and interesting individuals, and to share these tales with you. Many of probably the most memorable moments of my yr have been whereas reporting for this article: assembly the world’s oldest aquarium fish, consuming my approach by San Francisco’s Burmese restaurants, visiting migrant camps on the Tijuana border, seeing an historic lake come back to life within the Central Valley and studying the whole lot attainable about our transfixing state flower. It’s an honor to do that work.

Today, I’ll be sharing a few of what you instructed me about the perfect a part of your yr. Hearing from readers, particularly in regards to the particulars and small pleasures of your lives, is without doubt one of the greatest elements of my job. I hope you take pleasure in studying these notes as a lot as I did.

See you in 2024 — I’ll be again in your inbox on Jan. 2. Happy New Year!

“My husband, Paul Batchelder, turned 90 this summer. Paul has been an avid fisherman all of his life, so we had tables at his birthday party with fishnets and goldfish. Hors d’oeuvres were served in sushi boats.” — Paddy Batchelder, Gualala

“One of my greatest joys this past year has been getting into stand-up paddle boarding, often taking my inflatable board down to Donner Lake, a short, five-minute drive from my home, to start my mornings. What a delight it’s been to go out for a spin on magical, glass-like water.” — Kelly Bathgate, Truckee

“My husband and I were invited to rendezvous with a friend in Los Angeles over the July 4 holiday. We booked a rental home in Venice and promptly joined the locals as they celebrated among the famed canals. I never knew about the famed Venice Rubber Ducky Race in which hundreds of tiny, yellow floaty ducks are dropped from a bridge. This is not a fast race; it is mind-boggling in its swirling slowness as the duckies ebb and flow down the canal. Interference by genuine amphibious birds made it more thrilling. The true joy was with the people, though. This was honestly the most wholesome, laugh-out-loud family goodness I have experienced in years. Made me proud to celebrate being an American.” — Lynka Adams, Napa

“Happiness has been found in my own backyard. I sit on my small patio atop Potrero Hill and enjoy the lovely, mostly succulent garden that my boyfriend has created and maintains. I sometimes invite a friend over for a cup of tea or an afternoon cocktail, but otherwise I read in my Adirondack chair or nap in my hammock. I used to race around to galleries and museums, theater and films, and/or parties and events. Now, as a septuagenarian, I am content to watch the hummingbirds frisk in the burbling fountain, the clouds cross the sky and the neighbors’ trees dance in the breeze.” — Jim Van Buskirk, San Francisco

“I live in Los Angeles, and for several years I’ve taken vacations to La Jolla Shores. I love that it feels like a small town, but it’s close to all of the San Diego attractions. For years, I’ve wanted to go with my childhood best friend and her family, and we finally made it happen this June. The best part of the trip was that we had time to just be together. We sat on the beach, reading and listening to the waves. We had a barbecue at which my friend, who’s a teacher, got to spend time with a grad student at U.C.S.D. who was once one of her third graders. One night we had dinner at Piatti, an Italian restaurant that has a big tree in the middle of the patio seating area. We had the kind of intergenerational engaging conversation that had us thinking, laughing and looking up to see that they were closing up the restaurant around us.” — Rebecca Scott, Los Angeles

“My husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer near the beginning of the year, which means 2023 was one of the hardest years I’ve ever had. But I’ve realized there is joy in not just overcoming adversity, but also in the community that builds around you to bolster you in times like these. Friendships have strengthened. Neighbors have become family. People near and far have reached out to offer their support. And I’ve pushed myself and developed a resilience I wouldn’t have otherwise known was there.” — Olivia Pires, San Diego

Where we’re touring

The holidays could possibly be an ideal time to go to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which is providing prolonged hours in December and January. Admission can also be free to L.A. County residents after 3 p.m. on weekdays.

What we’re recommending

The best songs of 2023.

Tell us

What are you wanting ahead to in 2024? Milestone birthdays, journey to new locations, a brand new interest?

Tell us your hopes for the brand new yr at CAtoday@nytimes.com. Please embrace your full title and the town during which you reside.

And earlier than you go, some good news

Parks throughout California will provide a bunch of guided hikes on New Year’s Day as a part of First Day Hikes, an annual nationwide initiative that encourages individuals to see the nation’s pure wonders firstly of the brand new yr.

In California, guides at greater than 60 parks will lead guests on hikes, walks and different out of doors actions by the state’s huge pure setting on Jan. 1. Visitors can select from greater than 80 hikes at a variety of talent ranges, together with a five-mile woodland climb in Angel Island State Park and an off-road drive by the dunes of Ocotillo Wells in San Diego.

Whether you’ve set formidable New Year’s resolutions otherwise you’re merely in search of a enjoyable day to observe an extended night time, the nice outdoor beckon. Find particulars in regards to the occasion and stats for every hike on this interactive map on the California Department of Parks and Recreation web site.