Well, it’s the final week of 2020 and almost a year since we started on our journey of frustration, confusion, boredom, angst, and trying not to go bankrupt. We’ve come a long way. We’ve learned things. We’ve adapted. We’ve grumbled and complained. We’ve cried. And cried some more. We’ve prayed. But, above all else, we’ve carried on.
2021 is just around the corner and many people are holding their breath in anticipation of an improved new year. I am one of those people. I hope things turn around, but, on the other hand, you think 2020 was bad, wait until it turns ‘21 and starts drinking. (cringe) I chose to be hopeful that this will all be behind us soon and good things are in store for those who have suffered if we can just persevere a little bit longer.
And so, while I persevere, I’m going to share some fun facts about the 4th most popular American holiday – New Year’s Eve.
While it is estimated that over 1 million people gather in Times Square in New York to ring in the new year, did you know that Orlando, Florida and Anaheim, California are the 2 most popular New Year’s Eve destination locations? Know why? That’s right. Disney. Both Walt Disney World and Disneyland are known for their extravagant parties to ring in the new year. But not this year. Nope, 2020 continues to usher in disappointment.
Disneyland in California is closed completely. No New Year’s Eve bash on the west coast. (Incidentally the Tournament of Roses Parade is also canceled. See footnote below). Disney World in Florida is operating on a skeleton crew and a shoestring budget. Add in the social distancing requirements and you’ve got yourself a very scaled down celebration.
Since the inception of the ball drop in Times Square in 1907, the massive crystal orb has dropped every single year except 1942 and 1943, both for national security reasons during WWII. According to US News, the ball will drop this year (whew) but the festivities will occur virtually. I don’t know about you, but that’s how I experience it every year anyway, if I can manage to stay awake until midnight.
And speaking of which, did you know that 48% – that’s right, almost half – the population “celebrates” by counting down the new year at 9:00 p.m. Come on, raise your hand if, like me, you’re one of those people.
That’s okay. No shame there. You are my people. It’s also interesting, and kind of sad, that about 3% of the population do not “celebrate” at all. Hey, I at least have a glass or 2 of champagne. But I get it, celebrating, at least how most folks do it, comes with a price. In fact, If you’re heading to New York City to ring in the new year, prepare to break out your super expandable wallet. The average price of a dinner and a show for two adults in NYC on New Year’s Eve is a whopping $1,160! I have a feeling a lot of New York businesses are going to go bankrupt this year. That’s an astounding amount of money for 1 night out.
On the flip side, 300 sanitation workers will be spared between 12 and 16 hours cleaning up the 56 tons of trash left in Times Square after the celebrations — including 1.5 tons of confetti.
While we might not be able to celebrate in the usual way this year, we can still participate in some of the new years traditions we’ve grown accustomed to. Eating black-eyed peas (exactly 365 they say) in the hope good luck will be bestowed throughout the new year; making resolutions (working out and dieting are the 2 most popular every year and usually unsuccessful by February 1st); kiss your significant other; drink champagne and toss tinsel; sing Auld Lang Syne; send thank you cards for the gifts you received.
However you decide to spend your last day of December and first day of January, be safe and drink responsibly. I wish you prosperity, peace and joy in the coming new year.
Word of the Day: rhizocarpous
Fun fact about me: I’m going to start a new tradition for 2021. I don’t know what it is yet, but I’ll think of something.
Footnote: Although the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association will not be hosting its 132nd Rose Parade, they will celebrate the New Year on January 1, 2021. Working in conjunction with broadcast partners and sponsors, the Tournament of Roses has plans underway for a new kind of New Year celebration for those across the country and around the world. “We may not be able to host our traditional five-mile march down Colorado Boulevard, but we are exploring new and safe ways we can collectively share in the celebration, and we look forward to announcing further details about our exciting new plans in the coming weeks.”
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, December 2020. Images by Google and Pexels, and giphy.com.
Stay connected with news about my books and other fun stuff by signing up for my newsletter: http://bit.ly/JansenSchmidtNewsletter
On Common Ground is available at fine retailers everywhere: http://bit.ly/2BBu7bb
On Hallowed Ground is available at fine retailers everywhere: http://bit.ly/2KONmnf
jansenschmidt 
I did the Times Square thing in 1961…..waaaay overrated. Perfect word of the day for this post. May the roots of 2020 always remained buried.
Happy New Year. And don’t worry, I don’t have a drinking problem. I never spill a drop.
LikeLike
The ball drop at NYE in NYC is one event that I have NEVER had a desire to see. Some cheesy tourist things I wouldn’t mind being part of if I had the chance, but that is not one of them.
I sometimes have a drinking problem. Usually because I miss my mouth, which seems weird because it’s been in the exact same spot for 56 years. Oh well.
Happy new year to you and your Patricia! I hope you enjoy some kind of countdown somewhere and put this nasty year to bed.
Patricia
LikeLiked by 1 person
Better go to straws….you know you can now that you’re out of California.
LikeLike
It’s usually frowned upon to drink wine through a straw, but I’ll give it some consideration. Like an adult sippy cup I guess.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Once again, my comment was not posted. I don’t understand that. I always sign in and fill in the email address and such at the bottom.
“I guess I’m in the 3%. In my younger days I always attended a NYE party and got at least a little tipsy, but I gave up both drinking and staying up late many years ago. I’m sure I’ll be in bed by 10:00. It’s been even longer since I’ve made NY resolutions.
Guess I’m just an old curmudgeon. I probably will have black-eyed peas, though.”
LikeLike
I usually don’t do anything except drink champagne on new years eve. I’m not much of a party-goer. But, I would LOVE to be at Disney World – just once – for NYE. That’s one Disney party I’ve never attended. Goals.
For many years my husband has worked at one casino or another so he’s never home on new years eve so usually I’m alone. Last year, and this year, friends have visited from out of town so we’ll stay up and do a little happy dance then haul our tired old bodies to bed. We call that fun these days.
Thanks again for your persistence in posting comments. I wish I had a magic solution to that problem, but alas, I do not.
Happy new year to you you old curmudgeon.
Patricia
LikeLike
David, I have gone through something similar to this. I recommend using a different browser for Patricia’s posts (firefox?). You might find your comments sail right through. Try it out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m ready for a new year and if I’m really lucky, I’ll manage to keep my eyes open until midnight (the real midnight…12:00 a.m.). Here’s to a mega-prosperous and overabundance of happy travelers in 2021!!
LikeLike
Thank you so much! I’ve already been blessed with a few last minute travelers needing rooms this week on their way home from wherever they ventured for Christmas! I hope that trend continues. Fingers crossed.
I’ll raise my glass and toast you right now just in case we both miss the magic hour on Thursday/Friday! Cheers!
Patricia
LikeLike
I am Up North at the lake and enjoying the fresh snowfall, i planned to leave yesterday, but decided to stay an extra couple of days and it’s been peaceful. my wife and daughter went home Monday and it has been me and the pups here. Our tradition had been to celebrate by the lake, but the kids got older and wanted to stay home with their friends and so it’s changed again…..I am driving home tomorrow morning and will pickup a pork roast, sauerkraut and some potatoes for our traditional new year’s dinner at home and I’ll do my very best to stay up until midnight and ring in 2021. I do plan to do a first day hike at one of the forest preserves or maybe the arboretum, I haven’t decided where just yet, but I’ll be moving forward one step at time. Have a happy new year and may 2021 bring us peace, calm, and prosperity.
LikeLike
That all sounds like a good plan. Enjoy your quiet. Be safe on the road. Enjoy the food. Have fun on your hike or whatever you decide to do. Nothing like having stuff to look forward to.
It’s shaping up to be a pretty good week here at the Baer House so I’m headed off to the market for more breakfast fixings.
Thanks for stopping by. As always, carry on with your good work into the new year. I look forward to hearing more about your adventures.
Patricia
LikeLiked by 1 person
that is amazing news! I would love an eggs Benedict a la Patricia!
LikeLike
You got it! Next time you’re in town I’ll fix you my Southern Benedict. It’s one of the house favorites.
LikeLiked by 1 person