Sometimes to truly move on from something, you need the kind of closure only tossing, shredding or smashing it can provide.
That’s why NYC has “Good Riddance Day,” where tons of New Yorkers meet in Times Square to say goodbye to their unwanted memories from the previous year all at once. The day was originally inspired by a Latin American tradition where dolls are stuffed with objects representing bad memories and then lit on fire.
This year’s event will take place on December 28, 2019 from 12–1pm on the Broadway plaza between 45th and 46th streets. There will be official Good Riddance Day forms that you can fill out and then shred, or you can bring your own bill you just finished paying off, a study guide from an insane class, or something from an ex that you just want to forget.
There will be plenty of paper shredders, sledgehammers and garbage cans.
And—there is a contest. If you submit an explanation of what you want to get rid of ahead of time (the more creative, the better!), you can win two tickets to the New Year’s Eve ball drop as well as two tickets to an exclusive New Year’s Eve party. Register at their website to be entered.
Also, in-person at the event on December 28, one person will win two tickets to see Mean Girls on Broadway. Must be present to win!
Featured image: Times Square Alliance / Ian Hardy