The year according to you

What is the most important thing to happen in the D.C. region in 2009? Did the area change for the better, the worse, not at all? What did the year feel like? And what lies ahead?

Local Opinions invites readers to do some big-picture temperature-taking and trendspotting. Write a 300-word essay summing up the local year that was, put “D.C. 2009” in the memo field and send it to letters@washpost.com by Monday, Dec. 28. We’ll run a roundup of the best responses on Sunday, Jan. 3. Remember to follow all the usual submission rules: Include a day and evening phone number (not for publication) and disclose any personal or professional involvement you have in whatever you’re writing about.