I look forward to New Year's Eve as much as I do Christmas.
New Year's Eve
tradition began the first year after I married. That year was filled
with so many firsts--a committed life together, the possibility of a
pregnancy, holidays different from before. For that first New Year's Eve
my husband and I celebrated with my college roommate and her boyfriend.
We toasted midnight in our shabbily fixer upped apartment with
affordable rent that was near my husband's relatives. It was an evening
of college remembrances and good times and hope. For a couple of years
we celebrated with my husband's family...or alone with a new baby. Then
my former college roommate found her life partner and an unbreakable
tradition began. Every year for the past forty years (except one or two because of ice and snow), we have spent New Year's Eve
in each others' homes.
For about the past twenty, the celebration has
been at our home because our son flies in from wherever he is and
friends of his in our area reunite with him. Another college friend of
ours usually joins us and recently our new neighbors do too. Children
are welcome. Along with conversation we play games like Scattegories and
Mancala. We provide main courses for the buffet table but everyone
contributes food and there is always plenty.
Before
we watch the ball drop on Times Square, we talk about lessons learned
in the year gone by and hopes for the new year. We laugh, we share, we
learn how we are changing as we grow older. We discuss our fears, our
plans, the dreams we still want to fulfill. That's what New Year's Eve is all about for us--togetherness, camaraderie, past memories and a toast with hope for the year to come.
I
love having my husband at my side, my son at home and friends nearby.
This is the reason I look forward to New Year's Eve every year as much
as I do Christmas.
Do you have a New Year's Eve tradition?
Feel free to share it in the comments.
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 91st novel will be released in 2016.
Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.
Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below.
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Wonderful tradition!
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