This is how I spend NYE

And how I have just about always spent it since I was a kid. There was a time between the ages of 21-29 when I did the party thing. I can't say I was very comfortable with spending my NYE at a big party but I thought it's what you did. Now I am happiest in front of the TV with Mr C. or with Mr C. and our extended family in front of the TV nibbling on snacks and drinking champagne.

I do love the first day of the new year and that is when I become inspired and excited about the clean slate. NYE is just a whole other thing. It's when I become melancholic and pensive and a bit depressed. The passing of time mostly. Some people are bummed at Christmas. For me it's NYE. Even as a lil kid I found the occasion sadly nostalgic and uncomfortable. I have 45 minutes of myself at the age of nine speaking into a tape recorder sharing my views on the passing of time and how things change and how I hate change and so on all with the idea that this was a moment to preserve for the future, should I forget how to be a melancholic and a bore on NYE. There is also the idea of the holiday break coming to an end. From kindergarten through college I had those two weeks off for the holidays (more in college).  I happen to get a job that observes this same schedule so lucky me, but again, NYE marks the closing of the holiday break.

The Christmas tree is as green as can be and just started to release that citrusy, piney scent....things have just begun to slow down and we sit and sip chocolate and enjoy our decorations and now I have to box up all the decor and drag the still green tree to the curb?  While the outdoor decor will come down tomorrow, we'll be keeping up the lit tree until the 6th. It's five more days of the holiday season for us. Perhaps more... I like to ease into the start of the year.

Oh, Happy New Year!