We watched, transfixed, as US President Barack Obama was inaugurated in January, and looked on with horror as the worst bushfires we've ever experienced swept through the Victorian bush, killing 173 people. Bikie wars erupted at Sydney Airport, and Susan Boyle's spine-tingling rendition of "I Dreamed A Dream" proved the power of the internet once again. This was a year of sadness and success – but as you'll see in our reportage in this month's issue, Triumph + Terror, the past 10 years have been characterised by extremes like these.

The Noughties were the decade of decadence, where bling was king and Paris, Lindsay and Britney partied their way into the headlines. But it was also a time when we woke up to the fact that our lifestyle was wreaking havoc on the environment - and green became the new black. In fact, we had great fun in the office arguing about the moments that defined the past 10 years - and deciding which ones would make it into our story - because any list of notable events and people is so personal. My list of people who have made a difference features J.K. Rowling, whose Harry Potter series made children (including my own) think reading is cool, and the Socceroos, whose success in the last World Cup inspired my son to adopt soccer as his favourite sport, much to his AFL-mad father's horror (he's recently switched back – but I'm still a Mark Schwarzer fan!). Then there's Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple and the man who brought us the iPod. A recent survey found he was more popular among teens than Oprah Winfrey - though I'd find it hard to choose between them!

Let me know what you think about the decade that was by posting a comment below.
The rest of the issue is packed with ideas to guide you through the silly season, from divine dresses to our selection of key party pieces and the fabulous gift guide. I also love the eye-popping colours of our new-season make-up story, Rainbow Brights - you'll definitely make a statement at any party with fuchsia lips and emerald eyes. I hope you enjoy everything in the issue, and happy holidays to you all. See you in the next decade!