Bidding adieu to the last few hours of the year brings back fond memories as well as interesting traditions followed to welcome the new year. While the last day may be a holiday, for some it is the last few hours of another work day. Yet battling the traffic and rushing to make it to home base for the last few hours is done so as to usher in the next year with family and friends. While some are on a rampage while setting up the traditional new year watch night, attend the night service, host the family gathering, get the first few traditional customs of the new year ready and the like, the option lies in joining the fray or sitting on the sidelines and enjoying the celebrations.
As we usher in the next year, customs both family and country wise may be followed. From the Siberian tradition of diving into a frozen lake while holding a tree trunk to be placed underneath the ice or the Singaporean tradition of releasing wishing spheres into the river, painting front doors red (Chinese), sprinkling salt on the doorstep (Turkey) are just few of the countless traditional new year customs. Each home and family can make their won set of traditions. Be it enjoying a glass of champagne or ice-cream for the children after the night watch service to having fireside games, each of us can make our own tradition to usher in the new year.
“In our perfect ways. In the ways we are beautiful. In the ways we are human. We are here. Happy New Year’s. Let’s make it ours.” Beyoncé
Through all the celebrations, one mustn’t fail to remember that each day is a new year, a chance to do something new, for the better and an opportunity for new chances and attempts. Each new day is an opportunity to make our closest dreams come true. Life always holds a myriad of new beginnings, it is taking them on and changing the circumstances for making oneself better that makes all the difference.
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