Hey, Tigers! This is sophomores Veronica Konarkowski and Melony Howe, back for another article. We will be discussing how to make this New Year’s Eve the best one yet. There are a lot of different traditions around the world when it comes to bringing in the new year: parties, fashion, etc. We also interviewed one person per grade level to answer 3 questions each regarding the topic. As we close out 2024, it’s time to look back on the challenges and triumphs that shaped the year and embrace the fresh start that 2025 brings. New Year’s is a time for self-observation, where we can reflect on who we are, where we want to go, and how to cultivate personal growth in the year ahead.
Interviews
We started with interviews, asking 1 person per grade a variety of questions about this past year and what’s to come. We have chosen those who we believe gave the most influential responses.
Freshman – Maya Gabrys
What’s the best thing that has happened to you this past year? “A lot of amazing things happened this year, like going on a cruise 2 times, traveling across the world, and playing volleyball, but the best thing that happened to me this year was going into high school and starting a new school.”
What’s your New Year resolution? “My New Year resolution is to study more for my tests in semester 2 and try to aim for better grades and have more motivation.”
What are you most looking forward to this new year? “I’m looking forward to going to Wisconsin with my friends and family, going to a water park, and having a great time together.”
Sophomore – Zayd Lahlou-Nabil
What’s the best thing that has happened to you this past year? “I have been very blessed with many things throughout the year, but some things that I would like to highlight are going to Morocco and seeing my family, having a great time playing high school soccer, and having the opportunity to play club soccer.”
What’s your New Year resolution? “Some of my New Year resolutions are to become a better person, to get better at soccer, and to have a better sleep schedule.”
What can you improve/do this new year to become a better person? “To become a better person I think I need to get a good night’s sleep because when I don’t get a good night’s sleep, I am cranky and this does not allow me to be the best person. Also, if I can keep a consistent schedule this will help me be less stressed which will allow me to be more relaxed and ultimately lead me to being a better person.”
Junior – Daniel Dohoney
What’s the best thing that has happened to you this past year? “The best thing that has happened to me this past year was getting my braces off and finally getting my permit.”
What’s your New Year resolution? “My New Year resolution is to read more and to eat healthier.”
What’s your favorite memory from 2024? “My favorite memory from 2024 was going to the North Fest with my friends.”
Senior – Olivia Shipinski
What’s the best thing that has happened to you this past year? “The best thing that happened to me this past year was probably getting to travel a lot with my friends for school and with my family.”
What’s your New Year resolution? “My New Year resolution is to get better with my time management and not to procrastinate as much.”
What are you most grateful for this year? “I am grateful for all of the opportunities I have been given inside and outside of school and for the support from my friends and family.”
New Years Traditions
- 12 grapes
The first tradition we will talk about is eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve, a very interesting tradition. It originates in Spain and is popular in Latin American countries. The idea is to eat one grape for each stroke of the clock at midnight. It symbolizes good luck for each month of the coming year. It’s a very fun and interesting way to celebrate the new year.
- Fireworks
Up next is the tradition of fireworks. Setting off fireworks originated in China to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Fireworks are one of the most popular New Year’s traditions at midnight. It’s a spectacular way to light up the sky and celebrate the start of a brand new year. Fireworks symbolize beauty and excitement, and they bring a sense of happiness. Whether you’re watching a big public display or setting off some sparklers in your yard, it’s still a fun and festive way to celebrate the occasion. It can end up being a spectacular memory shared with friends and family.
- Watch the Ball Drop
The third tradition is watching the ball drop in Times Square New York. It’s a classic New Year’s tradition where millions of people visit to see the giant crystal ball descend as the countdown to midnight begins. It’s a thrilling moment that brings everyone together, whether you’re there in person or watching it at home. The excitement builds as the seconds tick by, and when the ball finally drops, it’s time to cheer and celebrate the new year with your loved ones.
- Pop the Bottle
The fourth tradition is popping the bottle to celebrate the New Year. Typically, you have a Champagne bottle (which doesn’t have to be alcoholic) and pop the cork at the tick of midnight. The tradition of popping bottles of Champagne to celebrate dates all the way back to the 16th century when European aristocrats would pour glasses of bubbly beverages at their royal parties. The sound of the cork popping and the bubbly fizzing adds excitement. It’s a symbol of joy and a way to toast to new beginnings and happy moments ahead. Whether it’s champagne, sparkling wine, or a non-alcoholic beverage, the act of popping the bottle is a universal way to mark the start of a fresh year.
- Jumping into the New Year
The last tradition is jumping into the new year. In Denmark, people stand on chairs or couches and jump off at midnight. It’s important to jump at the exact moment the clock strikes midnight. It is considered good luck to jump and bad luck if you don’t. The jump symbolizes leaping into the new year and also leaving behind the old year to start the new one fresh and energetically. It’s a fun way to welcome new beginnings and is often done with friends and family.
New Year’s Parties
New Year’s parties are a fantastic way to ring in the new year with friends and family. You can host many different themed parties, such as a masquerade ball or a glow party, to add a touch of fun. You could consider setting up photo walls and booths with props for guests to capture memories. You can also create a playlist of upbeat songs to keep everyone dancing and entertained until midnight. If you want a more relaxed gathering, a potluck with a variety of different types of food, allowing everyone to contribute their favorite foods and recipes, is also fun. Most importantly, you cannot forget a countdown to midnight with some fireworks, sparklers, and a bottle of Champagne to make the night even more special and memorable.
Fashion
Are you wondering what to wear this New Year’s holiday? We have some great ideas as to what you should wear. How about a disc sequin skirt paired with a black top and some jewelry? There are disc sequin tops you could even pair with this. Personally, I think the gold is very pretty with a black top and some gold jewelry. Inexpensive stores, such as Dollar Tree, have New Year’s headbands and bead necklaces. Most of the time, men and women will typically wear something gold, silver, or rose gold. Girls tend to wear sequin or glitter dresses or skirts. Sometimes you will see girls wearing a top to fit the occasion with some casual black pants. As for the men, a lot of places will sell very nice suits or tuxedos. They are even gold suits that would be great for a guy to wear for this occasion. Most golds are similar, so if you plan on matching with your significant other, it should not be that difficult. In the end, the trendiest style for this holiday is to wear gold or silver. There are so many options, you just have to choose which one suits you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, New Year’s is a time of celebration, reflection, and renewal. From setting meaningful resolutions that inspire personal growth to honoring traditions that connect all of us, this time of year brings a sense of hope and excitement. New Year’s parties provide a joyful way to gather with loved ones and celebrate the past year’s achievements while looking forward to new beginnings. Fashion plays a significant role, with everyone dressing their best to welcome the new year in style. Altogether, New Year’s summarizes a blend of festivities, personal aspirations, and traditions that make it a universally cherished occasion.
Works Cited
- Ciolli, C., & Beck, J. (2023, December 15). 14 New Year’s Traditions From Around the World. Retrieved December 6, 2024, from https://www.afar.com/magazine/new-years-traditions-from-around-the-world
- Jeon, H., & Jenkins, C. (2023, November 27). 20 Best New Year’s Eve Party Themes for 2024. Good Housekeeping. Retrieved December 6, 2024, from https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g30105731/new-years-eve-party-themes/
- Origins Of 12 New Year’s Traditions Around The World. (2023, December 15). Dictionary.com. Retrieved December 6, 2024, from https://www.dictionary.com/e/new-years-traditions/
- (Gabrys, n.d.)
- (Lahlou-Nabil, n.d.)
- (Dohoney, n.d.)
- (Shipinski, n.d.)
