The year is almost over, and we’re ready to toss the past twelve months into the wastebasket of regrets and bad ideas. We look forward to the promise of new beginnings and a chance to reset the clock. Or, maybe you had a pretty good year, and you’re grateful for the many blessings you’ve enjoyed. It sounds cheesy, but every year as I get older, I’m thankful for the little things that usually go unnoticed. Becoming a grandparent and watching the glee in a child’s face over simple wonders may have something to do with my newfound gratitude.
How about trying a new tradition on New Year’s Eve? Think of this: the clock approaches midnight, and you’re sitting on the couch, watching foolish revelers on TV shiver in the cold. You, since you’re smart, are snuggled under a blanket in front of a roaring fireplace. Champagne glasses are ready and soft music is playing in the background. Pants that have gotten tight from too many Christmas cookies have been exchanged for comfy jammies. Another hour until midnight, and your eyes are beginning to flutter. Whoever came up with the idea of staying up to midnight obviously doesn’t care about work on January 2nd or hangovers.
While you’re all trying to stay awake, pull out some notepaper and cut into strips. Give everyone six slips of paper and a pen. Instruct those who haven’t escaped into another room to write three hopeful wishes or prayers for the upcoming year. Fold these papers and place them into a decorative jar to open next Christmas. Now, write down three embarrassing, awful, horrible things you’ve experienced this past year. Don’t worry; no one will see these words. Crumble the paper into wads and get ready. If so inclined, someone can speak encouraging, heartfelt words that will make people tear up. One by one, toss these papers into the fireplace until bad memories evaporate to ash. Good riddance!
Now, if you have a gas fireplace or none at all, you may have to run these through a paper shredder. It’s not quite the same but will serve the same purpose. It’s nearly midnight, so pop open the champagne and cheers to a new year and new beginnings!