I have hated new year’s eve for as long as I can remember.
The crowds, the desperate reaching for fun-times, the drunkenness, the random groping by strangers, the forced joie de vivre, the alcohol-fuelled ‘gis-a-kiss’ demands, the paniced avoidance of strangers’ grabby-handed slobbering on the stroke of midnight. I hated it all.
But it was a ‘thing’ for young people. A big thing. So I tried. Year after year I tried and each time I’d roll up the next morning hungover and remembering the horrible night I’d had navigating the same awful scenarios. I probably did have some good ones in there, but I can’t really recall them.
One year I even went to the trouble to have TWO NYEs (because if I hate one, hating two is double the fun, right?). It was a thing here (probably still is) to go to a popular town on the border between two states: one of which has daylight savings, one of which doesn’t. So you celebrate midnight on one side, walk over to some bar on the other side and do it again an hour later. Merry japes!
I started to avoid the night. Unlike other parties or events, NYE is one that garners incredulous puzzlement when you say you aren’t doing anything. I went so far one year as to organise some trip so that I would be on a plane on NYE, in the air at midnight. A blessed relief to not feel the pressure to join in on something I knew I would hate.
Of course I reached a point of maturity where that pressure to pay attention to it no longer mattered, and I just said ‘no’ without feeling like a sad and lonely cat lady, and people I knew learnt not to use that as an excuse to try and convince me that I HAD to do *something*.
This year, I will have a few glasses of fine champagne with a good friend. We might play a game, have snacks, step outside to watch the fireworks down the street. I may well not make it to midnight before my bed calls me home.
And that’s okay.
Tonight in the quiet I will raise a glass to you, dear readers, in thanks for your support and kindnesses over the last year. I hope that new year’s eve heralds the start to a wonderful 2105 full of happiness and joy for you and yours.
Cheers!
15 comments
Amen! Once I had a kid, I had a built-in excuse for NOT “doing” NYE. Even for crashing at 10 pm.
Now that she’s older, I have zero desire to participate in the frivolities.
Last NYE, however, I made an exception. I agreed to meet JT for a coffee and then we went together to a play party. Where we simply talked all night and drank some crappy champagne from a plastic glass at midnight. Much more subdued night than a wild debauch. Much more my speed!
This year, I, too, will be having a drink (a beer in my case) with a good friend, in my home. We’ll probably watch some Netflix, catch up, and if we’re still awake at midnight, we won’t be for much longer.
Besides, the “new year” for me doesn’t begin until the 5th of January – my birthday. That day always marks a new page, a fresh start, for me.
I actually know very few people who full-on celebrate NYE any more. But maybe I just know more rational people now. ;-)
*smile* That sounds like a good NYE to me.
And early happy birthday!!
Ferns
I must say, it’s refreshing to read that I’m not the only one who kinda feels like New Year’s is just another day. I’m not about the big parties or anything but I did the same when I was younger and tried to even be the life of the party – until I couldn’t stand anymore lol. I’ve come to realize I don’t have to do that or be that and I prefer the calmer, quiet that New Year’s has become. :)
Happy New Year, Ferns
You definitely aren’t the only one!
And happy new year to you also *smile*.
Ferns
I totally agree. For me, a quiet night and getting to bed at a decent time is the best way to celebrate.
greg
*smile* Welcome to the new year.
Ferns
Oops, forgot to wish you a happy and wonderful coming year! (face gets reddish)
Your writing is so spot on and compelling, I always look forward to it.
Heh. I knew it was implied: all the best to you and yours. And thank you!
Ferns
Even young, brand new 18 to twenties, I have never felt pressured to do something for NYE. This year, as a matter of fact, is the first year I’m doing something for it for over ten years, at least. I can’t even recall the last time I stayed up to greet the New Year.
I’m a morning person, and being up in a few hours never appealed to me enough to stay awake. We’ll see if I regret the decision to party with friends; my husband seems excited and for now that’s enough motivation to try.
I have never thought of the dual state line celebration tactic. And I’m quite envious of your plans this year – it’s what I would normally do, or just plan to be by myself or with my children.
I hope you had a grand night and didn’t regret it in the morning!
*delivers coffee*
Ferns
I plan on being one of those loud,grabby,obnoxious drunks.
So business as usual really
Coug
*laugh* The one night you get to be yourself and no-one thinks a thing of it!!
Hope the new year brings you much happiness.
Ferns
That is why I plan spending NYE playing Dragon Age Inquisition and drinking Scotch. Happy NYE Ferns!
Thank you! I hope you had a good one.
(I had to mute posts about Dragon Age on Tumblr because boy are people ever excited about it, and wow do they ever go on and on and on and on and on about it…!).
Ferns
Happy New Year to you!! Thankfully it was a quiet night at home here too. And then a laaate movie hanging out with one of the kids.
I did think of you when the TV showed a shot of the fireworks over Sydney harbor! :)