Projo Holidays Blog

December 28, 2007 Archives

While New Year's Day is the big holiday on many calendars this coming week, there are several religious observances as well.

For Catholics, this Sunday is the feast of the Holy Family, commemorating the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph and their flight into Egypt to escape the wrath of Herod.

On Monday, Zoroastrians -- whose numbers are few worldwide but whose religion pre-dates Christianity by hundreds of years -- will begin their five-day seasonal festival, Maidyarem Gahambar.

On Tuesday, Orthodox Christians celebrate St. Basil’s Day and the Naming of Jesus Christ,
commemorating how on the eighth day after Jesus’ birth, his mother Mary, in keeping with Jewish law, brought him to the temple to be circumcised and given the name of Jesus.

Anglicans refer to the feast as the Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and Catholics celebrate it as the feast of Mary, Mother of God.

-- Journal reports

Since Christmas has ended, the song What are you doing New Year's Eve? plays over and over in my head. It got me to thinking...

Years ago, my extended family would get together every New Year's Eve. Each family would take a turn to host the party. The gatherings would sometimes go all night. It was intended for the adults with card-playing, Guy Lombardo records in the background and food. Lots of food. it was the Italian side of my family. The kids would have fun, too. Some of us would play board games in small groups and some would join in the card games or start a young-player's version of poker.

I can't remember celebrating New Year's Eve in such a way since then. My family and I are usually too worried about driving from house to house for fear of drunk drivers being on the road. Sad, but true. So I sit in front of the television with a bottle of champagne and countdown to the New Year. (I've even shared a sip of the champagne with a my dogs in the past. None of them ever passed it up!) Many cable channels have marathon shows playing; could be the Three Stooges, The Twilight Zone or back-to-back Bond movies. I'm hoping to catch up on some of the new DVDs I've purchased.

So, what are YOU doing New Year's Eve? Have a Happy, healthy and SAFE New Year!

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve
When the bells all ring and the horns all blow
And the couples we know are fondly kissing.
Will I be with you or will I be among the missing?

Maybe it's much too early in the game
Ooh, but I thought I'd ask you just the same
What are you doing New Year's
New Year's eve?

Wonder whose arms will hold you good and tight
When it's exactly twelve o'clock that night
Welcoming in the New Year
New Year's eve

Maybe I'm crazy to suppose
I'd ever be the one you chose
Out of a thousand invitations
You received

Ooh, but in case I stand one little chance
Here comes the jackpot question in advance:
What are you doing New Year's
New Year's Eve?