We're kicking off 2021 with a virtual party — an open house filled with laughter and live music to see out the old, and look to the new. Olympian Clara Hughes, Giller Prize-winning author Madeleine Thien, and entrepreneur and philanthropist Mohamad Fakih discuss what they've learned in the pandemic, and their hopes for the new year. Author, ER physician — and DJ — Dr. James Maskalyk brings us some music, and tells us how it has helped him through the hard times. CBC host turned cheesemonger Mike Finnerty discusses the mood in his new home, London, as Brexit takes effect; and Dr. Brian Goldman talks about the new variant of COVID-19, and a push to speed up the vaccines rollout. This time last year, comedian Hoodo Hersi made a vision board about realizing her dreams in 2020. She's here to tell us how that worked out, and why her mood board for 2021 might just say "stay sane!" Author David A. Robertson describes how storytelling can help put the bad times behind us. Plus, 17-year-old Toronto student Shania Muthu tells us how she and classmates raised thousands of dollars to help communities hit hardest by COVID-19. And Natalie MacMaster, Donnell Leahy and their seven kids bring us some more live music, and tell us about the silver linings that came from being together in lockdown.