Had a conversation New Year's Eve about the lack of significance, for me, of the "New Year" as a marking point. I cherish the holidays. There is lovely seasonality to the shortening of the days, the hunkering down around candles and lights and a hot oven, yielding roasts and other comforts savory or sweet that fill the house with reassurance and warmth no matter how grey and cold outside. But the New Year itself doesn't hold much sway.
I have no interest in news wrap-ups of the year that was. The end of the calendar year is a handy marker for some projects of mine, such as rounding up photos for printing, and a worthwhile book-end to the holiday season, but it lacks meaning or weight. As a time of personal reflection, I find my birthday more meaningful than a calender rollover, but really I mark my calendars more broadly, by school years and seasons. The cycle really revolves around the new school year -- the excitement of fall (the poet's season) -- the holidays, the long winter term and then spring. Another school year finished and a long/short summer for the boys to get caked in a solid plastering of sunshine, clay, and adventures filled with sticks, water, rocks, dogs, cousins....
So back to school soon, and on with the winter!
2 comments:
I share your lack of affinity for placing any significance upon the marking of an arbitrary calendar date, set by Pope Gregory in 1582. The flavors and scents, seasonal transitions, and reveling in our childrens' development and discoveries holds far more draw.
That being said, New Years is a good excuse to throw a party, especially when being an "empty nester" with a very well stocked liquor cabinet and wine cave, and a wive who loves to throw parties. Our soiree went over nicely last Friday night, and the designated drivers navigated their significant others home safely thereafter.
Any excuse for a part is fine by me! Glad yours went well.
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