Okay. I admit it. I am a nerd. I am an introvert. I enjoy my own company. Don’t get me wrong. I like people. I like being with people. I also like holidays and if you have been reading all year, you know I like a good theme party. But the one thing I don’t really care about is the too loud, crowded, drunken New Year’s Eve celebrations to which so many people do look forward.
Maybe this perspective began 25 years ago when I was single and had my first grandbaby (who is now 6’4”!) and I volunteered to keep him so my daughter and her husband could have a proper date night celebration. Or maybe that was an excuse. Regardless, I enjoy a quiet evening at home.
New Year’s Eve is a time of reflection. I revel in my thoughts as another year winds down and the possibility presents itself to begin anew. I realize the timing is somewhat arbitrary. Maybe I could have the same sense of completion and renewal another time – for instance, a birthday. But there is just something peaceful about curling up on a cool winter evening with a cup of fragrant hot tea, sitting in comfy loungers with a blankie over my body and simply relaxing.
New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to look over the passing year’s goals and task lists to celebrate the accomplishments – large and small. I perpend the whys of those items left undone and revel in the satisfaction of completing the others. Looking over the list is a fascinating reminder of what was important a year ago compared to current priorities. It is humbling to see how far – or not – I have come as a person and to think about others I may have touched along the way.
Upon reflection I turn the page to the new year with renewed determination. I cogitate the direction I want my life to follow in the coming year and the milestones to achieve that vision. Knowing that much of my life is directed by me and my actions, I set intentions, define goals, and list tasks that seem perfect on this night for achieving my dreams for the new year.
While in most years when I have experienced the rarity of time alone, I realize goals are modified, intentions are solidified, tasks are worked (or not). I develop a thoughtful plan on which to build in the next 365 days. I speak of goals rather than resolutions. New Year’s resolutions conjur a negative connotation of unfulfilled dreams. Developing goals gives me an opportunity to stretch myself. Having an evening dedicated to being alone with my thoughts sets the stage for a healthy and productive year to come.
You may have a different perspective of how to spend New Year’s Eve. I trust you will determine what best serves you to usher Father Time out and welcome the New Year’s baby in. Please celebrate in a way that best serves your soul.
Now as 2024 comes to a close, Mary Ann and I wish you and yours Peace, Love, and Light. And a wonderful 2025.
Silver Sage Sisters 