Nevertheless, A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Summary

The author grapples with the concept of New Year celebrations, questioning their significance while ultimately embracing the collective spirit of renewal and the joy it brings to others.

Abstract

The author expresses skepticism about the tradition of celebrating the New Year, finding it challenging to reconcile the excitement over a simple calendar change when personal circumstances often remain unchanged. Despite this, they acknowledge the psychological appeal of a fresh start and the symbolic shedding of the past. Recognizing the importance of shared moments of happiness, the author chooses to partake in New Year festivities for the sake of loved ones, emphasizing that personal disagreements should not overshadow communal joy. The piece concludes with a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, reinforcing the idea that every day can be seen as an opportunity for a new beginning, and an invitation for readers to follow the author for more content.

Opinions

The author is initially critical of New Year celebrations, seeing them as an illusion of change rather than a reflection of personal growth or significant life events.
They concede that the New Year offers a moment of collective renewal and an opportunity for individuals to set intentions and resolutions, which is inherently appealing.
The author values the excitement and optimism that come with the idea of a fresh start, despite the continuity of daily routines.
They prioritize the happiness of friends and family over their own reservations about the meaning of New Year celebrations.
The author emphasizes that they do not wish to be seen as a spoilsport, choosing to engage in the festivities to share in the collective joy.
There is an underlying appreciation for the moments that make life meaningful, with the New Year being one such moment to cherish.

A short memoir

Caution: I’m not a spoilsport.

It’s hard for me to come to terms with the concept of celebrating a new year.

I have a query I believe is legit — What is there to celebrate?

What’s there to celebrate in the mere change of a date that signifies the start of a new year?

I understand why people celebrate their birthdays, as it marks a significant day in their lives when they are born. The same goes for wedding anniversaries, first jobs, and other important dates that are honored because of memories and events associated with them.

But where does the New Year fit into this criterion?

What has changed, and more importantly, has it been for the better?

Most likely, you are still in the same job, doing the same household chores, and following the same mundane routine. Your lifestyle persists, despite the change in year. We’ve been sold this illusion of change due to a calendar revision.

In defense of New Year celebrations, many would argue that it offers a collective moment of renewal. The clocking ticking midnight on 31st December may not manifest into any external change but symbolizes an internal shift.

Frankly, there is an undeniable excitement about the idea of a fresh start. A symbolic nature of leaving the past behind, hitting the restart button, and moving forward with a positive mindset.

Coz, it’s a fresh start, you know!

It gives an opportunity to set intentions, make resolutions, and aim for growth. Mentally, it feels pleasant to make ourselves believe that, from the start of this new year, I shall embark on my journey to implement every change I had been sulking about till now.

It’s a moment people love to cherish. And that’s what life is about—moments.

Hence, I reply to every New Year's wish, call my friends and colleagues, and spend time with my loved ones. My disagreements never take precedence over my close one’s happiness, and ruining anyone's moment of joy would be the last thing I would do.

As I mentioned, I’m not a spoilsport.

And that’s why — Nevertheless, A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.