My friend Emily hasnt celebrated New Years Eve for five years. She doesnt buy a Christmas tree, decorate her flat, or put up fairy lights. Emily doesnt bother to cook anything special for the occasion or to buy gifts for her many relatives and friends. Many people are truly shocked when they find out about her attitude toward the holiday. She isnt suffering from depression or any other illnessshe has family and friendsbut a while ago she decided she simply wouldnt mark New Years anymore, and shes stuck to that decision for half a decade. For Emily, the 31st of December is just another date on the calendar. She doesnt try to convince anyone else that her choice is the right one, but she has no intention of changing her own mind.
In the beginning, Emily was anxious about being by herself on New Years Eve. She wasnt dating anyone, her parents were away for the night, and her friends always celebrated in boisterous groups. She found herself alone at home, but nothing disastrous happened. Before midnight, she called her loved ones to send her best wishes, made herself a decent dinner, and enjoyed a long soak in a hot bath. That night, the meaning behind the old saying, The way you see in the New Year is the way youll spend the next one, finally clicked for her. Emily realised she hadnt wasted time cooking, cleaning, or rushing about, and with no need to play host or to drink for fun, she could truly relaxjust by herself.
Afterwards, Emily noticed another advantage to her approach: New Years didnt take a toll on her budget. A tree, baubles, food, and decorations all add up. Without the festivities, those expenses simply vanished.
She also saves time, not having to fuss in the kitchen or do a big clean-up. Theres no need to spend hours on her hair or outfit just for the party. Too often, hosts end up sitting down to eat just before midnight, feeling exhausted from the day and not dreaming grand dreams about the year to come.
Emily has ditched the ritual of buying endless presents. She no longer squeezes into packed shops or blows her entire pay cheque on gifts for distant cousins and old friends. If you tally up the cost of gifts alone, you might find it would be cheaper to book a holiday abroad somewhere sunny. You can enjoy yourself on any day, and take the end of the year as a time to reflect quietly and plan for the future.
Emily makes a lot of good points, and when people listen to her explanations, many end up agreeing. Unfortunately, few are willing to hear her out; most start judging straightaway or assume shes secretly broke.
Emily pays no mind to the naysayers. When she has children, she plans to celebrate for their sakeshell decorate a tree and buy presentsbut shes determined not to change her overall approach for herself. How and when you say farewell to the year gone by, and how you start a new one, is a personal decision. If youre in the mood, any day can become a celebration.
We have a big gathering every New YearsI love getting things ready for itbut I can see where Emily is coming from. If I end up alone that day, I dont imagine Ill be weeping into my pillow; Ill likely spend it quietly, resting and enjoying some peace.
