Mundane New Year’s Eve
Wednesday, December 31st, 2008Well, another year has come and gone. In just a few hours it’ll be 2009. Lots of people all around the planet are gearing up for some serious, I-can’t-remember-what-I-did-last-night celebrations. Others are having a simpler party with friends at their house. Still others are just settling in at home for a night focused on the ball drop, excitement, and reflection.
My wife and I are going to put the kids to bed at their normal time, then watch a couple of movies. Maybe we’ll have some snacks. If the movie’s over, we might watch the ball drop. Or we might go to sleep. It’ll be pretty similar to most nights.
What can I say? We’re boring. But I like this plan. I like relaxing with my wife, not having to worry about being a host, or being a polite guest while trying to avoid stuffing my face with whatever party food is available (and failing at that). I like being able to fall asleep when I’m tired instead of having to entertain someone or drive myself home.
Besides, I don’t really see what’s so special about New Year’s Eve (beyond the fact that I get a couple of free days off work). My brother feels the same way about birthdays. With him they’re no big deal (for adults). “You survived another year. Whoopee.” I disagree with that, to a large part because the focus is on an individual who has very likely accomplished much within that year, and regardless should be acknowledged for being special (though, really, that should happen every day).
But I see New Years the way he sees birthdays. The earth didn’t blow up this time around the sun. Okay. Good. I’m happy about that. So basically, the sun is going to rise tomorrow… just like it did today. Nothing really changes, except the calendar. Same stuff, different day. Seems like it’s just an excuse to get together and set off some fireworks. I don’t have anything against that — I like fireworks, and parties are fun — but I don’t really see the point.
I used to go to/host parties every year. I had a good time. I enjoyed the ones where I hung out with a couple of close friends but as time went on I kind of lost interest in the whole global celebration thing.
Still, like I said, I get a couple of vacation days out of it, so I’m good.
What are you doing on New Year’s Eve, and why?


