I started playing Mid-December 2013, so Christmas was my first event. Even at a lower level I was happy with the event.
My first neighbor (other than family, who I asked to start a town so I could have some neighbors) found me I don't know how! I still have him, he comes and goes but I'm keeping him because he opened my eyes to having neighbors I didn't actually know. (This is the first game of this type for me.)
I didn't realize how precious donuts were in the beginning - I spent a lot speeding up tasks. Then they were GONE and no new donuts showed up! What the heck! It was probably only 2 weeks before I bought some donuts. I spent the early ones on characters so I could make money. Can't remember which ones, but it was a good strategy.
My first redesign was within the first month. My town had no specific layout, so I looked at what was coming in the later levels and planned a town based on everything available up to that point. It had a lot of empty areas for a while, while I waited to level up. I still have that layout now and am probably due for a nuke. Seems like a huge undertaking.
The first time I felt rich was during Stonecutter's. Because I had everyone frequently on the short tasks, and not having to keep buildings untapped for neighbors, I was making a lot of money. I am up to 9 mil. now, need another 2 or 3 before I can buy the Sit and Spin. I don't want to spend it all in case there is an update soon.
This has been fun to think about! Thanks, OP.