2021 was…tough. When I asked my friends to describe their year, the adjectives were quite literally depressing, as in some people said “depressing.” But as we dug a little deeper we were able to uncover some serious high points as well. So in the spirit of saying a loving goodbye to another year, here are the 21 best things to happen to Beijingers in 2021.

1. “My engagement!” Ana, The Foodie Queen of Beijing

2. “Taking myself to ice cream!” Sophie, Owner Pingo Space

3. “I found out I’m going to be a dad!” Kris, Engineer

4. “Aerial yoga…I’ve become less focused on the negative parts of my body/appearance, and instead more focused on being grateful for what my body can do.” Mio, founder of Female Expats group

5. “Watching my baby learn how to talk.” Rebecca, Curriculum Coordinator at Daystar Academy

6. “Chocolate cake!” Harper, 2.5-year-old

7. “Trusting myself and my abilities more, and not going overboard with my helping hand.” Sherna, Soloprener

8. “My boyfriend finally made it back from the USA!” Sissel, Teacher at Pingo Space

9. “Karaoke till the sun came up.” Shirley, Office Manager

10. “Starting a new business and seeing it grow through hard work.” Ray, Father and owner of Pebbles Courtyard

11. “[Chi Fan For Charity] raising over 500,000 RMB for charity.” Preston, Foodie Emperor

12. “Having my birthday party at ByLoft playground because it was a swimming pool and also a land playground. And I was surrounded by my friends who went back to America now.” Nalo, 6.5-year-old

13. “Discovering my Sasha fierce via Cosplay.” Deanna, Teacher at Pingo Space

14. “My kid’s first birthday! Billy and I were up till midnight and it was pretty fun…We had a good time dancing around and singing random stuff while setting up balloons.” Mina, Managing Editor of jingkids international

15. “Following my dream of starting a jewelry business!” Alison, high school student and Alite Jewelry owner

16. “I honestly think one of my best moments this year was one night when I got home and Ryan had bought me dinner and set the table for the two of us.” Vanessa, Teacher at Beijing Royal School

17. “Developing and opening our new kids corner in Feast…this has always been a concept and goal for Feast, but now I’m proud to have stepped it up a notch! From my personal side of things, I would say that being able to get my Covid (and)… getting my son vaccinated just before Christmas…it gives me hope that soon we will be able to travel, and able to see his grandparents soon.” Tim, East Hotel

18. “The day we went to Universal Studios as SVIP” Shu, Parenting Coach and IB Education Specialist

19. “I signed a book contract for a book I have worked on for the past three years.” Liuba, Artist

20. “The most exciting thing for me was becoming a mother with the arrival of my first child.” Rebekah, New Super Mommy

21. Your turn! Tell us the best thing to happen to you in 2021 in the comments.

KEEP READING: They Said What?! Holiday Party Edition

Images: Amazing People In Beijing, Pexels