Preparing for New Year’s Eve

by: Grayson Leverenz

People around the world celebrate New Year’s Eve with traditions documented as far back as 2500 BC. Here in the USA, December 31st hosts many of the largest parties of the year. Americans gather with friends, family or even strangers to welcome the coming of a new year and all its shiny promises.

To celebrate New Year’s Eve:

Watch
Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2009 on ABC. Dick Clark has been broadcasting live from NYC Times Square for 37 years. For many Americans, it wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve without it. The show begins at 10pm EST, and the ball drop highlight begins at 11:59pm EST.

It’s not unusual for the Dick Clark special to be on in the background of a party, sometimes even muted, and for everyone to turn their attention to the show just before midnight.

Drink
Champagne at midnight to toast in the New Year. Click here for examples of catchy toasts.

Eat
Party food. I usually like to go with a theme on New Year’s Eve. If I’m planning a big trip, I’ll create the menu with foods from that country. Or sometimes, I use a favorite cooking utensil I don’t use often, like my fondue pot. Click here for menu ideas from the Food Network.

Try
Kisses at midnight for good luck. Americans believe kissing at midnight on New Year’s brings good luck into the coming year. Go for it if you’re with someone special. If not, a kiss on your neighbor’s cheek will do just fine.

Singing a round of Auld Lang Syne, a traditional New Year’s Eve song written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788. Click here for the lyrics.

Enjoy!