What to Do on New Year's Eve?

Most of us have experienced buying a new home, moving into a new apartment, having a new baby, or getting a new job. Sure, we might toast any of those occasions with a glass of champagne or a beer with our friends. But few of us would decide to celebrate the occasion by going to a bar and drinking too much alcohol! So why do we do this on New Year's Eve? How about some new traditions?

Checking in with old friends

Have you been thinking about old friends from school that you haven't seen in years? Or wondering what ever became of co-workers that you worked with years ago? Maybe New Year's Eve would be a good time to look them up and say 'Hi". With all the social networking sites, it's much easier today to find an old friend than it used to be. Just keep in mind that they might not be as keen on reconnecting with you as you are with them. If you find them on Facebook, or wherever, just send a short note, like "Hey, was thinking about you the other day and wondering what you're up to these days." Go on to tell them a little bit about your life, and close with an invitation to respond to you - "I'd love to hear from you if you've got a few minutes, just to hear how your life is going these days." If they don't respond, don't take it personally.

Try something new

What better time to try a new food, a new hobby, a new "experience" than New Year's Eve? Maybe it's something you want to incorporate into one of those dreaded New Year's resolutions next year (like trying a new fitness center or a new exercise regime or a new type of healthy food). Or maybe it's just something fun that you've been thinking about trying for a long time. Having a new experience on New Year's Eve puts you in the right frame of mind to face the New Year with hope and anticipation. Give it some thought ahead of time, and make New Year's Eve a night that you remember because of the memory you will have of trying something new on that night!

A night of contemplation

Get over the idea that you are a "loser" if you spend New Year's Eve alone, or with a certain special someone. Think about other situations where you are starting something new in life. If you get a new job, or buy a new home, part of the preparation is making a list of things you need to do, things you want to learn, etc. Maybe this could be considered part of the process of making New Year's resolutions, but you can make it much more than that. Buy a fancy journal and spend the evening just talking to yourself about your life and what you want to accomplish in the new year. Has this been a difficult year for your marriage, or your relationship with your family or friends? Start the new year off right by trying to resolve the conflict, or at least start talking about it on New Year's Eve.

What a waste of time to spend New Year's Eve getting drunk! Sure, it's fun to celebrate the coming new year, but don't do anything that could mean you might not be here to enjoy it!