How do you spend New Years Eve?

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the transition from the old year to the new one occurs. New Year’s celebrations symbolize a period of introspection, rejuvenation, and optimism. With the start of a new year, we have the chance to make resolutions and strive for a brighter tomorrow.

In the early years of our marriage, my wife and I used to party with friends at local hotels or party venues. Over time, our celebrations shifted towards family gatherings. New Year’s Eve became an occasion for joy and rejoicing among ourselves, our parents, grandparents, and friends. As children entered our lives, we opted for a cozy get-together with loved ones to commemorate the event and create lasting memories.

My first New Year's Eve memories include staying up late to watch movies on CBC TV, Vancouver. Back then, Dick Clark’s New Year’s celebration in New York was yet to become a tradition. During my university years, practical considerations led me to work on New Year’s Day, earning double time, which necessitated avoiding staying up late.

One cherished tradition during those past gatherings was having one of the senior family members dress up as the Old Year. At the same time, we held a ceremony bidding farewell to the departing year and welcoming the New Year’s baby, amid the jubilant atmosphere of the guests.

As my children grew older, we celebrated at home, helping them stay awake until midnight. We would then go out to the streets, pots and pans in hand, to welcome the New Year with our neighbours and their children. This would help to create a feeling of togetherness in our community.

Our New Year’s Eve celebrations became more subdued and less extravagant as time elapsed. I watch old movies on streaming channels and try to stay awake till midnight, making me feel young again.

The significance of New Year’s Eve remains meaningful to us, representing a time to celebrate and reflect. As the year ends and another start, we gather to bid farewell to the past while embracing the future, filled with the anticipation of love, laughter, and joyous moments.

However, how we celebrate both individually and culturally has undergone notable changes over the years. In the past, celebrations were rooted in ancient rituals and traditional customs, centred around close-knit communities. Neighbours would come together for intimate house parties or communal street celebrations, emphasizing quality time spent with loved ones, sharing homemade recipes, and cherishing each other’s company.

Recent global events, such as the COVID pandemic, have seen an increase in the number of alternative means of celebrating this time of year. For example, my family’s adoption of virtual gatherings via ZOOM during Christmas. It is conceivable that our future New Year’s Eve celebrations might further incorporate technological advancements, enhancing connectivity and experiences through social media platforms.

In conclusion, observing New Year’s Eve has experienced some changes over the last several decades, evolving from age-old customs to modern festivities, from thoughtful reflections to global influences. Nevertheless, the essence of celebration, review, and hope that comes with the arrival of each new year will continue to unite us with our families and friends. As we bid farewell to the past while embracing the potential of the future, let us treasure our traditions while accepting the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. So how do you spend your New Year's Eve?