It’s the countdown to the countdown for the end of 2024, and if you’re in Morocco, you are six hours away from the New Year. 

Marrakech – The world is split into two camps right now: those in sequins, ready to pop champagne, and those in sweatpants, contemplating whether it’s too late to cancel plans. (Spoiler: it’s not.)

If you’re in Morocco, you have six hours to go, and the pressure’s on — not just to figure out where you’ll be at midnight, but how you should feel about it. Should you be reflective? Excited? Nervous? 

Or should you just ignore it all, pour yourself a drink, and text everyone “Happy New Year!” at 8 p.m. before going to bed?

A moment to reflect

Around this time, you might feel like the ghost of January past has suddenly shown up to remind you of every goal you didn’t hit. (Yes, we’re looking at you, unused gym membership.) 

But let me stop you right there: it’s okay if you didn’t become fluent in French or start that side hustle. Survival can be a goal too, and if you made it through the year — congratulations.

Take five minutes, write down three things you’re proud of (even if it’s just “I watered my plants”), and let the guilt go. You can Marie Kondo the rest of your regrets tomorrow.

The ‘what if?’ spiral

As the clock ticks, there’s always that nagging feeling: Did I make the most of the year? 

Maybe you spent too much time at work, or maybe you didn’t say “yes” enough. But here’s the thing: time is slippery. 

You could spend the next few hours spiraling about what you should have done, or you could spend this time deciding how you’ll write the next chapter. 

It’s not about the missed opportunities; it’s about creating new ones.

Midnight FOMO:

Ah, the social media circus. Someone’s in a chic rooftop bar. Someone else is in a cozy cabin with fairy lights and perfectly messy hair. 

And then there’s you, wondering if you should just stay home. Here’s the truth: midnight is just a moment. 

What matters is how you feel about your moment. Whether it’s a glittering party, a quiet night with loved ones, or simply falling asleep with Netflix on the “Are you still watching?” screen, your New Year doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Permission to be a hot mess:

Let’s normalize this: it’s okay to feel… everything. Excitement, nostalgia, even dread. New Year’s Eve is like an emotional buffet, and you don’t have to pick just one feeling. 

Give yourself permission to feel whatever comes up — and maybe even embrace the chaos.

How to spend these last hours of 2024

1. Make a playlist: Start with Adele (reflective tears), throw in some Beyoncé (queen energy), and end with something ridiculous from the ‘90s.

2. Do something symbolic: Write down what you want to leave behind, then toss it. Burn it. Or just throw it in your “junk drawer” where it’ll never be seen again.

3. Wear something fun: Even if you’re staying in. Life feels better in good shoes and a little eyeliner.

4. Choose your midnight move: Champagne toast, text your ex (kidding, don’t), or watch fireworks. Make it your own moment.

As for me in Morocco? I’ll probably spend the next six hours writing this, wondering if my readers will find themselves in these words, and maybe, just maybe, figuring out how I want to feel about the clock striking twelve.

But here’s the thing about New Year’s Eve: it’s not about the countdown — it’s about how you show up when the clock resets. 

So, take a deep breath, pop some bubbly (or tea), and step into the New Year however you damn well please.

See you on the other side.