My friend Emily hasnt celebrated New Years Eve for the past five years. She doesnt buy a Christmas tree, doesnt decorate her flat, nor does she hang up fairy lights. Emily doesnt bother cooking any special meal for the celebrations, and she no longer buys presents for her many relatives or friends. Most people, when they find out about her attitude towards festivities, are genuinely shocked. Emily isnt suffering from depression or any kind of disorder; she has family and friends. She simply decided at some point that she wouldnt celebrate New Years, and has stuck firm to that decision ever since. For Emily, December 31st is just another day on the calendar. She doesnt try to persuade anyone that her way is right, but she also has no intention of changing her mind.
In the beginning, Emily worried about being alone on New Years Eve. She didnt have a boyfriend, her parents were away that night, and her friends all gathered in lively crowds. Emily found herself on her own at home, but that night, nothing terrible happened. She made sure to call all her loved ones and send her best wishes, treated herself to a lovely dinner, and then relaxed in a warm bath. The meaning behind that saying, the way you spend New Years Eve is how youll spend the year, suddenly made a lot more sense to her. That evening, Emily didnt waste her energy cooking or cleaning, didnt rush or fuss, and as a result, managed to properly unwind all by herselfwithout the company of friends or the aid of a drink.
After the holidays, Emily noticed another upside to her approach: New Years was no longer a burden on her wallet. A tree, baubles, food, and all those little decorations can cost quite a lot of pounds. But if theres no celebration, then theres no need for such expenses.
She also saves plenty of time by not having to slave away in the kitchen or carry out a massive tidy-up. There are no hours spent sorting her hair and outfit for the party. Very often, hosts barely sit down at the table by midnight, their minds only on how exhausted they are, not on dreams for the year ahead.
Gift shopping has become a thing of the past for Emily too. She no longer fights her way through crowded shops or uses up her entire salary buying presents for a host of friends and relatives. When she added up the cost of all those gifts, it turned out you could easily have flown off to somewhere sunny for the holidays instead. After all, you can celebrate at any timeat the years end, its better to reflect and make plans for the year to come.
Emily is right about many things, and often, the people around her who listen to her reasoning end up agreeing. Sadly, very few even dare to ask her why she doesnt celebrate; most start judging right away and try to guess at hidden problems, like not having enough money.
Emily doesnt pay them any mind. When she has children, she plans to throw a party for them, decorate the Christmas tree, and buy them presents, but she doesnt intend to change her general approach. Exactly how and when to say goodbye to the old year and begin the new one is for each person to decide for themselves. If you really want to, you can turn any day into a celebration.
We usually have a big crowd for New Years, and I love getting ready for it, but I completely understand Emily. If I found myself on my own that night, I wouldnt cry into my pillow. Id simply enjoy a peaceful, relaxing day instead.
