Happy New Year
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Some History of New Years
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The day celebrated as New Year's Day in modern America was not always January 1st. In the years around 2000 BC, Babylonians celebrated the beginning of a new year on what is now March 23rd, although they themselves had no written calendar. Late March actually is a logical choice for the beginning of a new year. It is the time of year that spring begins and new crops are planted. January 1st, on the other hand, has no astronomical or agricultural significance. It is purely arbitrary. The Babylonian new year celebration lasted for eleven days but our modern New Years Eve fesivities are pale in comparison. Other traditions of the season include the making of New Year's resolutions. That tradition also dates back to the early Babylonians. Our modern resolutions tend to lose weight or quit smoking. The most popular in Babylonian times was to return borrowed equiment. The use of an image of a baby with a New Years banner was brought to early America by the Germans. They had used the effigy since the 14th century.
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Resolutions by Dear Abby
Just for today,
I will live through this day only,
and not set far-reaching goals
nor to try to overcome
all my problems at once.
I know I can do something for 24 hours
that would overwhelm me
if I thought I had to keep it up
for a lifetime.
Just for today,
I will be happy.
Abraham Lincoln said,
"Most folks are about as happy
as they make up their minds to be."
He was right.
I will not dwell on thoughts
that depress me.
I will chase them out of my mind
and replace them
with happy thoughts.
Just for today,
I will adjust myself to what is.
I will face reality.
I will correct those things
that I can correct
and accept those I cannot.
Just for today,
I will improve my mind.
I will not be a mental loafer.
I will force myself to read something
that requires effort,
thought, and concentration.
Just for today,
I will do something positive
to improve my health.
If I'm a smoker,
I'll make an honest effort to quit.
If I'm overweight,
I'll eat nothing I know to be fattening.
And I will force myself to exercise ...
even if it's only walking around the block
or using the stairs instead of the elevator.
Just for today,
I will make a conscious effort
to be agreeable.
I will look as good as I can,
dress becomingly,
speak softly, act courteously,
and not interrupt
when someone else is talking.
Just for today,
I'll try not to improve anybody
except myself.
so just for today,
I will gather the courage
to do what is right
and take the responsibility
for my own actions.
MAKE THE YEAR
A STEPPING-STONE TO GROWTH
Whatever the New Year has in store,
Remember there's always a good reason for
Everything that comes into our life.
For even in times of struggle and strife,
If we but lift our eyes above
We see "our cross" as a "gift of love."
For things that cause the heart to ache
Until we feel that it must break,
Become the strength by which we climb
To higher heights that are sublime.
So welcome every stumbling block
And every thorn and jagged rock;
For each one is a stepping-stone
To a fuller life than we've ever known;
And in the radiance of God's smiles
We learn to soar above life's trials.
So let us accept what the New Year brings,
Seeing the hand of God in all things,
And as we grow in strength and grace
The clearer we can see God's face.
~ Helen Steiner Rice ~
A TOAST TO THE NEW YEAR
Here's to the bright New Year
And a fond farewell to the old;
Here's to the things that are yet
to come And to the memories that we hold.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE
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