New Year and all that ...

As perhaps many do at this time of year I'v been thinking at odd moments about New Year, what is it and why?  Obviously it is the beginning of another year, time marches on relentlessly and  it is obviously such an important event for many folk to celebrate in whichever way that they may choose.

When I was a lad and then a callow youth living in England I could never understand the fuss that the Scots made about it, even less comprehend the traditional television broadcasts of Moira Stewart, Jimmy Shand and His Band etc.  As for the odd practices such as knocking on stranger's doors after midnight and offering them coal that was just too much!  Even after my teens the turn of the year was insignificant to me except that I thought it rather unfair that those north of the border had a Bank Holiday that we sassenachs did not enjoy.

Later it became the 'in thing' to receive invitations to parties from family and friends which were accepted as part of the social scene and not wishing to become a pariah.  There is only one New Year's Eve that I found  particularly enjoyable at a bash given by friends from a motorcycle club, otherwise I was left generally unmoved.

So why this personal indifference?  Well, the whole party thing of being with some folk that you know and like as well as probably many others who do not fit into that category can be a bit of a trial, too crowded, music not necessarily to taste and invariably too loud as to make any normal conversation at best difficult, excessive alcohol consumption and all that goes with it and finally trying to hold a glass on one hand, a paper plate of assorted bits and pieces in the other and always a paucity of seating.  Me a grump?  Quite possibly ...

Recent years for us the revels have changed, usually a quite evening with or at friends homes culminating in sincere greetings at the witching hour all round.  there is never any pressure to stay until sillyo'clock in the morning, guests leave as they wish.  Best bit is that the Auld Lang Syne thing does not rear it's ugly head
at all.

So what else does the turn of the year mean?  It makes think back of what has passed, good times, bad times, new friends made and others no longer with us. There is a forward looking aspect too in trying unsuccessfully to divine what the forthcoming months may bring and reveal, more an exercise of hope and futility in a way.  As for resolutions that idea was forsaken many years ago except for one and that is always broken as soon as it has been made.  What is it, oh yes, the resolution not to make any more resolutions!  See what I mean?  Broken as soon as made.

What I suppose I am saying is that I am content to celebrate in my own way, some may say curmudgeonly, but that is my choice!