Every time a game session ends I spend my time decompressing and thinking through what I can do better the next time. I want my games to constantly improve and there's definitely room for it.
Tonight it wasn't just a session that ended; it was a multi-year campaign with five people at the table. Even the start was subdued. Everyone arrived and we all chatted well but the end hovered over being social.
The last encounter was a classic boss fight followed by some world changing opportunities if the characters survived. I based the encounter off a classic 5e boss fight from the 2014 rules. It went well and felt scary.. The players were focused and managed a clean victory!
...from there the winding down was good but somber. It's over! I've already got another campaign rolling that excites me but tonight is far more sad than I'd have anticipated if asked in advance.
Still, a good story, great characters, and a fun campaign.