Taking Out The Old and Bringing In The New ~ Happy New Year!

by ©Peggy Gabrielson

The celebration starts on New Years Eve 

'Taking out the old' by enjoying lavish parties with friends and family, watching fireworks and listening to loud music, watching the 'ball drop' on Times Square, or as it is done here in the mountains, the possum drop!

Then New Years Day 'bring in the new' some brave a swim in the cold sea, watch live or on television the Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA and following the big football game at the Rose Bowl, the lucky first baby born on this day being showered with gifts from local merchants and lots of media attention, emphasis on our first meal consisting of the important items one must eat for good luck!

My traditions have always been to have my Christmas tree and decorations completely stored, and in past have my whole house completely cleaned... better than Spring cleaning! Now that I am older I feel these are not as important realizing they are only superstitions after all...

I still like to participate in the first meal as being important, be it of habit than believing the superstition that pork should be eaten because the pig is associated with the idea of good luck. Some of the traditions of meals are black eyed peas in the southern region of the US, where salmon is eaten for luck in the northwestern states. In the Netherlands sweets are a treat like Oliebollen and cakes. 

In Spain twelve grapes are eaten just before midnight, one for each chime of the clock. Good luck will come to those who finish the grape before the final stroke. 

My first meal this year will consist of my Dutch heritage a traditional meal of  Erwtensoep with ham (split pea soup). Sweets for treats throughout our day...

as we enjoy the 'bringing in the new' year. Happy New Year... may 2012 be all what you desire it to be!

Inspiring Creative Minds... 

Capturing the essence... Life is good in the country... wish you were here!