Many people, in many languages, exchange this greeting. We wish each other good fortune and good health. In some countries or religions, the "new year" doesn't start on January first, but whenever it starts, a fresh year can be a new beginning.
 
It's a tradition for many in the United States to watch a certain holiday movie, a parade or a televised special with fireworks to start out the New Year. The giant shining ball has dropped at midnight in New York City's Times Square since 1907. People all over the world can witness the drop on their televisions or smart phones.
 
A kiss at midnight, a special toast, and singing "Auld Lang Syne" are other traditions frequently observed in our country. But how do other countries and cultures celebrate this important time?
 
In some cultures, round or circle-shaped foods, like oranges and small cakes, are eaten to symbolize long life and good health in the new year. Spanish people try to eat twelve grapes as the clock strikes midnight. Other "lucky food" includes rice for prosperity in India and Pakistan, apples dipped in honey for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, and black-eyed peas in the American south.
 
Latin Americans who want to travel in the next year, will walk around the block on New Year's Eve with a suitcase. Others clean the house on New Year's Eve. The Greeks have special carols, and Danish people jump over the threshold into the new year. The Chinese have fireworks, lanterns and dragon parades. In Brazil, wearing white for the new year is thought to bring good fortune. The Dutch plunge into the freezing North Sea. 
 
No matter what the tradition, every one seems to look ahead with optimism, hoping that the troubles of the old year will be washed or rung or swept away, while the future will bring something better.
 
Here's to a good new year!
 
Prairie Homestead
yvonne@prairiehomestead.org
prairiehomestead.org
1605 W. May Street
Wichita KS 67213
(316) 263-8264

​What to Do about the Holiday Blues?
 
Cheerful holiday commercials and the movies shown from November through January depict unbroken families with expensive, in beautifully-decorated homes. No rent due, no health problems, no cranky uncles or unappreciative grandchildren. Reality can be very different, and the "holiday blues" may make some feel sad, anxious and over-stressed.
 
Some of the causes of holiday blues are:

• Loneliness and missing departed loved ones.
• Stress of large family gatherings and travel
• Shopping and trying to please everyone
• Overspending

 
Some of the symptoms to watch for:

• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
• Difficulty concentrating or paying attention

• Changes in appetite or weight
• Changes in sleep patterns

 
What can be done about holiday blues?

• Acknowledge feelings of grief and loss
• Spend time with good listeners, friends or professional

• Eat healthy meals, cut back on alcohol, get some fresh air 
• Try to maintain a regular sleep pattern
• Start a journal of feelings
• Set a gift budget and keep to it
• Skip gatherings that cause stress
• Try something different, a new hobby or interest group

 
The "holiday blues" can lead to greater depression, so there is no shame in talking to a professional or medical caregiver, even if symptoms seem mild now. Isolation contributes to seasonal depression, so seek out a friend, a group, or a free community activity that will keep you in touch with others during the holiday season.
 
Prairie Homestead
yvonne@prairiehomestead.org
prairiehomestead.org
1605 W. May Street
Wichita KS 67213
(316) 263-8264

​Little Holiday Celebrations
 
Whether you sit down at an abundant table together with all of your family or not this season, the winter months are a wonderful time to be thankful and to share things with others. 
 
No matter what your circumstances, there are simple activities that you can do to make the holiday season special.
 

• Write a letter of gratitude. Even a short note written earnestly can light up the life of a hard-working helper or a new neighbor. If you can't be with a beloved cousin this holiday, send them a cheerful postcard to let them know that you remember times shared.
• Make place cards. Whether you're eating with a large family, with one loved one, or with a table of fellow residents, you can make your table setting special. Place cards don't have to be fancy-- seasonal stickers can be applied to simple folded notecards, or old greeting cards can be personalized. 
• Go somewhere to enjoy beauty. A short walk or drive could take you somewhere that the beautiful colors of autumn or the first snowflakes will delight. Homes and businesses are often decorated for holidays, so look around to see if you can find pumpkins, lights, or a parade of snowmen.
• Watch a holiday special on television. You don't have to stand in the cold to see the beautiful floats in a televised parade or an ice show. These days, holiday entertainment is provided for months, with singers, dancers and celebrities. Best way to watch: with a friend!
• Have a Friendsgiving. If you are hosting a family holiday meal or attending one at some relative's home, you can choose another day during the holidays to have a special "Friendsgiving." Provide simple snacks, have a potluck, or just gather around warm cups of coffee to remind each other than you are thankful for those special people who feel just like family.

 
Prairie Homestead
yvonne@prairiehomestead.org
prairiehomestead.org
1605 W. May Street
Wichita KS 67213
(316) 263-8264