Dec. 31 presents an opportunity to celebrate the memories made in the past year and hopes for the year ahead. People have been marking the start of a new year for thousands of years.
The first New Year’s festival that has been documented was in Mesopotamia around 2,000 B.C., according to Britannica. Many celebrations through the ages have involved good food, lots of drinks, and great company.
Whether your celebration is big or small, there are many different ways to mark New Year’s Eve and the start of 2024. Here are a few ideas.
1. Work on Your Resolutions
As 2023 comes to a close, look ahead to what you want to accomplish in 2024. Spend some time planning out your goals and creating a strategy to achieve them. The best approach is to use the SMART method, which means making your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Using this tactic will help you set your goals and reach them easier.2. Get Outside for an Adventure
Getting outdoors for some exercise and adventure can boost your mood and energy levels, which is a great way to start a new year. Whether you head out for a walk or try something new like snowshoeing, having a little adventure to say goodbye to 2023 can put you in the right spirit to celebrate what is to come in 2024.3. Virtual Celebration
Many of us spend a lot of time in the digital world, and that can include New Year’s Eve celebrations. Plan a virtual call with your loved ones and ring in the new year together online. You can spend the time catching up, reminiscing, or even counting down to midnight in your different time zones. Be sure to have some goodies on hand to nibble while you chat to add to the atmosphere.4. Watch the Ball Drop in New York City
A popular way to end a year is to watch the ball drop in Times Square, either in person or online. You can also take the event with you and stream it on your phone at the Times Square website. There will be musical and cultural performances leading up to the big moment, so it’s sure to be a good time no matter where you are.5. Write Thank You Cards
Every year has its ups and downs. No matter what 2023 brought you, sending out some thank you cards to those who helped brighten the year can make you feel excited about 2024. It can also be a great way to help others get the right start to 2024.6. Host a Games Night
Plan a gathering for a games night, either online, over a video call, or in person. Many online platforms offer different games that you can enjoy as a group or compete against others. Alternatively, invite some friends and family over and pull out some classic board games for some live competition and fun.7. Stay Local
Find out what events your city is hosting for New Year’s Eve and get a group together to go out. Most places across Canada plan community, family-friendly celebrations that include entertainment, food, and fireworks to ring in the new year.8. Be Traditional
There are many cultural traditions around the start of a new year that are believed to help you have good luck in the coming year. In Italy, eating lentils is said to bring financial success, according to the History Channel. Other cultures believe that eating pork brings prosperity, as pigs are seen as representing progress. Eating circular cakes and baked goods marks the full circle of a year for those in countries like the Netherlands and Greece. Research other cultural traditions to celebrate a new year, or start a tradition of your own.9. Movie Marathon
Not everyone feels like heading out to celebrate. For those who prefer the comforts of home, get cozy and curl up for a movie marathon. Get your favourite films together or stream some new titles. Be sure to have plenty of snacks to enjoy while you watch.Whether you head out dancing, go to a local celebration, or stay inside with loved ones, there is no wrong way to say goodbye to 2023 and hello to 2024.
