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Party hats, noise makers and bubbly beverages — all symbols of New Year’s Eve. At least New Year’s Eve of the past for me.
As time passes, the luster of a big New Year’s Eve celebration seems to fade. Ten years ago, when I was childless, it was a night we planned for weeks. We dressed up and celebrated the night, all night long until we saw dawn break, then after breakfast with friends, spent the day asleep nursing the overindulgence of the previous night.
Five years ago, one child in tow, there was some planning but not as much as before. We were fortunate to find a babysitter we could share with friends. We dressed up, hopped in a cab for a great dinner, some dancing, and after midnight even some karaoke. I saw the dawn break again because my son was ready for the day. I can’t say that I was.
Last year, three children later, there was no planning. We dressed down, invited a few extra children to partake and made the mistake of giving the kids noise makers. We yawned and rubbed our eyes with the children fighting to stay awake until midnight.
Now as 2008 looks us in the face, we find ourselves wondering how we will ring in the new year. As I ask others how they will be celebrating, I hear many of the same replies of “We aren’t doing anything.” This answer comes mostly from individuals with children, as babysitters are at a premium on this night, and the morning after a late night is tough with small children.
Those without children don’t want to be out on the roads whether alcohol is involved or not. As one person told me, “I don’t want to be out with all the crazies.”
Responsibility has become a factor in celebrating New Year’s Eve for many.
Looking back to an article in the Jan. 2, 2007, edition of the Winona Daily News, police reported that New Year’s Eve 2006 wasn’t any busier than a typical weekend night.
This trend is common across the country as many revelers are staying home or taking cabs. According to a representative of Yellow Cab, Winona’s New Year’s Eve is an extremely busy night, all night but especially between midnight and 3 a.m. — 1 a.m. being the most requested time for a ride. Apparently Winonans are trying to be responsible as they say hello to the New Year.
Restaurants are offering alternatives to the change in attitudes by offering dinner specials and ending entertainment, if offered, earlier. Many who do go out find themselves home before midnight or just after to avoid the rush to get a cab.
For parents looking to create the excitement of New Year’s Eve at home, Family Fun Magazine offers tips to create an atmosphere of celebration without staying up until midnight. The first is to set all alarm clocks in the house to the same time. Once they go off, the New Year has arrived.
Another countdown method is the lighting of a candle and ringing in 2008 when it has melted.
Special foods can make the evening special, and some countries use these foods as traditions, such as Spain, where family members eat 12 grapes to bring good luck in the coming year. Black-eyed peas are said to do the same in the southern United States.
Of course, the party hats, noise makers and bubbly beverages are always a hit, and while you may not overindulge, the aspirin may be necessary if the children have noise makers in hand.
So as I anticipate the beginning of another year, I will miss the days gone by of celebrations throughout the night, and in 20 years when we are empty nesters those days may return.
Until then, we’ll enjoy the celebration in our home and know I will feel much better the next morning whether my children are up at the break of dawn or not.
Maggie Modjeski is the former executive director for the Winona Community Foundation and had also served with Winona County Big Brothers Big Sisters. Each Monday, she writes about the challenges and joys of raising a family and being part of the Winona community. Her e-mail address is maggiem@hbci.com.
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CT Rock wrote on Dec 31, 2007 3:41 PM: