While growing up New Year’s Eve was always pretty mild. My parents did not go out. One of my aunts and uncles would come over with their two kids. While our parents would play cards and talk we kids would play with our toys or watch cartoons. At midnight we got kisses and sent to bed after a glass of sparkling apple juice.
So the first New Year’s Eve on my own was quite a shock. We were ringing out 1999 and ringing in 2000. I spent it with my boyfriend and his friends. People were coming and going from the house, we rented the upstairs. It seemed that every person except me was drinking. (I don’t drink, so I was made the designated driver).
Music blared, drinks were spilled, people were yelling. Then before midnight people were getting sick. As soon as the ball dropped I went to bed. I didn’t see the appeal in drinking, everyone looked miserable.
I have not celebrated a New Year’s Eve in that fashion since then. I found out that night that I would much rather have a quiet evening with family. I enjoy board games, movies, and apple juice.
Have you ever celebrated a holiday that was different than what you were used to?
Angela Schroeder
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Joselyn
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Four Foxes, One Hound 
Like you, I much prefer to observe the dawning of a New Year in a more subdued fashion. I don’t need or want all the loud noise/music, crowds, booze, and insincere emotional gushing.
Just family and/or a few friends… nice desserts, comfortably surroundings, and we have often “prayed-in” the new year.
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Our church used to have a get together on New Year’s Eve. We would play pool, air hockey, arcade games, a movie would be going. Right before midnight there would be a service. The service ended shortly after midnight then everyone went home. I didn’t mind that gathering because it was still a quieter gathering.
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When we’ve done anything for New Year’s, it’s been more of the games and snacks variety. Most years we don’t even stay awake until midnight.
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I actually remember New Year’s Eve 1999. The city of Grand Rapids put on a huge show celebrating the new millenium at the huge new arena downtown, and my daughter’s high school band was invited to play. My parents and I got tickets, and we enjoyed all the fabulous music. There was lots of singing and dancing. It was billed as a family event, so drinking didn’t seem to be a problem. Other than my New Year’s celebration in Phoenix in 2002, I haven’t spent the evening with anyone but my television.
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That sounds like it was a nice event.
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Wish I could say that I ever celebrated with another culture, but…the reasons will be in Friday’s post.
Quiet New Year’s Eves for us, too.
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