The word New Year implies the beginning of a fresh year and bidding farewell to the current year. The onset of this occasion dates back to the pre historic era of 2000 B.C. It is known that the first New Year celebrations were held in Mesopotamia, when in the month of spring, the first full moon was seen. New Year is no less than a festival which is celebrated by everyone without any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, colour or religion. Every year, the New Year celebrations commence from 31st December, i.e. the last day of the Gregorian calendar. However, the New Year celebrations differ from place to place and religion to religion. This is so because different people follow different calendars.
The notion behind New Year’s occasion is that the upcoming year will bring new hopes and aspirations for everyone. New Year is celebrated in most parts of the world with equal zeal and enthusiasm. The idea behind celebrating New Year is to say goodbye to the current year and welcome the forthcoming year with open arms. Mostly, people prefer to be with their family & friends to spend this occasion together and make it a memorable one. One of the most common associations with this occasion is the New Year resolutions. Besides this, there is a concept of presenting gifts and wishing the near and dear ones exactly at the midnight.
How to celebrate New Year at home?
• Dress up your children in party clothes and visit holy places like Temple, Gurudwara, Church, Mosque etc.
• Explain the concept of New Year’s resolutions to your children. Ask them to make a resolution for the upcoming year.
• Together with your children, brighten up the house with colourful lights and candles.
• Encourage your children to decorate the house using ribbons, balloons etc. Besides this, also make colourful banners with ‘Happy New Year 2014’ written on it.
• Engage your children in making New Year cards for their loved ones.
• To keep up the celebration mood in full swing, organize a bonfire and invite your relatives & friends at your place to celebrate together.
Happy New Year to one and all!!
