past, present, future: new year's eve ball drop + my favorite books of 2021
10, 9, 8...
One long-lasting New Year’s Eve tradition is the ball drop in Times Square. Celebrations began in 1904, but the New Year’s Eve Ball first dropped in 1907. The first New Year’s Eve Ball was made of iron and wood, showcasing 100 lightbulbs. It was 5 feet in diameter and weighed 700 pounds.
The Ball has been lowered every year, with the exceptions being in 1942 and 1943 because of the wartime “dimout” of lights in NYC. Crowds still gathered for a minute of silence and the ringing of chimes to “ring out the old, ring in the new.”
Over the years, the Ball has evolved from iron to aluminum to the shape of an apple for the “I Love New York” marketing campaign (for a full 7 years!). The traditional white Ball returned, and in 1995 got a fancy upgrade to aluminum skin, rhinestones, strobes, and computer controls. In 2007 for the 100th anniversary of the Times Square Ball Drop, a new LED crystal Ball was designed with LED lighting technology that gave the Ball increased brightness and color capabilities.
This year, the Big Ball is getting a sparkly upgrade. 192 crystal triangles are being replaced to represent themes for the new year including Happiness, Goodwill, Harmony, Serenity, Kindness, and Wonder. The Ball is now 12 feet in diameter, weighs 11,875 pounds, has 32,256 LEDs, and contains 2,688 crystal panels. This tradition and iconic symbol of the transition into the new year has become bigger and brighter, as things tend to get over time. Bigger. Brighter. Better? I don’t know…it was a marketing ploy, but I’m rather fond of the apple-shaped Ball with red lights and a green stem.
Now, a permanent Big Ball lives on top of One Times Square where everyone can see it throughout the year.
On a grand scale, the theme of the past couple of years, and I think will continue to be, is virtual. Times Square was closed to the public on New Year’s Eve in 2020 after an unprecedented year. For those who don’t have cable and rely on websites and streaming services instead, this event was accessible. TV and internet audiences could watch the Ball drop from anywhere in the world, on the go. Not only did the ball drop, but 2,000 pounds of multicolored confetti were released into Times Square at midnight with wishes on them from thousands of individuals who submitted them on the Virtual Wishing Wall.
This year’s New Year’s Eve will see the same type of virtual event. In 115 years of the Ball dropping, only 12 years have seen a webcast. This means no waiting in line for hours, no standing around until midnight. Instead, these virtual multi-media experiences provide commercial-free experiences, various camera angles to view the event from, backstage access, a peek behind-the-scenes, and interviews with performers and celebrities. What a cool way to see something so historic. This feels more up close and personal than actually being there in person.
It’s been the way of the world for a while, but as we continue to develop technology and become increasingly more virtual, I think more interactive features and capabilities will be built into these apps and experiences. As someone in the user experience and content strategy space, I can think of a variety of ways to create more engagement for this iconic and highly-watched event. As virtual becomes more and more the norm, so, too, will these types of experiences.
⏱ Fun fact: The ball “dropping” to signal the passage of time dates back to 1833 when the first “time-ball” was installed on England’s Royal Observatory at Greenwich. The ball would drop at 1:00 every afternoon so captains of nearby ships could set their chronometers accurately.
It is not easy picking favorites (note: these books are in no particular order). Of the 44+ books I read this year, these were my top choices, the ones that stood out the most when looking back. Truthfully, I like all the books I read because if I don’t, I do not finish (DNF). Not finishing a book is incredibly hard (and honestly rare) for me and I really do try to get through it. Oftentimes, it’s just that I’m not in a particular mood. Before committing to not finishing a book, I’ll set it aside for a bit, pick something else up, and try it again when the mood strikes later.
The ones that made this list, though, were my DNS books (did not stop) books. I loved each one for various reasons.
Minor Feelings by Cathy Hong Park: Thought-provoking, real, and an incredibly important read. Do not sleep on this one.
Musical Chairs by Amy Poeppel: I adored the eccentric and colorful cast of characters in this book. This story has a big heart.
Two Trees Make a Forest by Jessica J. Lee: This book is a gorgeous blend of memoir, family history, Taiwan history, and nature. Similar to Win Me Something—though this one is non-fiction—this was another book where I related to many aspects of the author’s life and longing to discover her roots and identity.
Happily Ever Afters by Elise Bryant: Elise Bryant’s debut YA novel is such a sweet and vulnerable story about a girl who likes to write her own love stories.
Win Me Something by Kyle Lucia Wu: I write more about this book here, but I felt very seen with this one.
This Time Next Year by Sophie Cousens: This one was so charming and clever. It’s perfect for reading around the holidays/new year (both of the main characters were born on New Year’s Day).
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang: Helen Hoang writes vulnerability and steam so amazingly well. I will read everything and anything she writes.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston: My first Casey McQuiston book, and I thoroughly enjoyed this romantic comedy fantasy magical novel. There’s a cool blurring of genres here, with some blush-inducing subway car scenes.
Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez: Abby Jimenez tackles heavy topics very well in all of her books while also skillfully bringing the romance and laughs (she’s hilarious). I can’t get enough of her writing.
The Ex Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon: At a Seattle public radio station, two co-hosts who despise each other pretend to have dated for a show called The Ex Talk. The show takes off in popularity, and so does their relationship. The banter, the steam! It’s all so good.
Lost in Paris by Elizabeth Thompson: This book features a complex mother-daughter relationship, lessons on the empowerment of finding yourself, and, of course, the City of Light. My literary version of an escape to Paris.
Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane: This book is full of insights, humor, and a character just trying to find some meaning and friendships in her life. I wasn’t prepared to love it so much.
Not Like the Movies by Kerry Winfrey: I read Waiting for Tom Hanks, and then knew I had to get my hands on this one when it came out. Can you imagine someone writing a movie inspired by you? Well, this happens to the main character. Now we get to see things from Annie’s best friend Chloe’s perspective. Kerry Winfrey excellently writes vulnerable, real people who feel fully dimensional.
Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly: I almost felt like this wasn’t fair to include because it was an advanced reading copy, but (!) because this book comes out in just a little over two weeks (on January 18, 2022), I’m including it because it really was a highlight of my reading year. I am officially an Anita Kelly fan—their writing is vivid and sharp and this book has the biggest heart.
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho: This one made me weep real tears. A children’s book. With people who have eyes like mine! This is my go-to when recommending children’s books. I love, love, love it.
Did any of these books make your list? What were your top reads from 2021?
Here’s to a great last bit of 2021,
Lauren
*Affiliate links are included in this newsletter. I may receive a small commission from items you purchase. Logo + design elements are created by me, LKJ.