New Year’s Day Traditions: Do they make sense?

Growing up as a child, I was able to observe New Year’s Day traditions from my mom and dad. Early morning on the 31st, my mom would go to the market and buy loads of fruits of all kinds. She would arrange it on the counter top for everybody to pick and eat on New Year’s Day. She would see to it that the cupboards are all filled, especially with rice. A polka dotted dress or blouse is always a must when she do her Christmas shopping, a must-wear for her when attending the New Year’s Day mass.

My dad on the other hand buys firecrackers to be lighted at midnight. He also buys torotot for us kids to keep us busy while waiting for midnight. He makes sure that the most expensive kind will be lighted exactly at midnight.

While waiting for New Year’s eve, my parents would ask us about our New Year’s resolutions. They would sometimes ask us to write it down so that it will serve as a reminder and not be forgotten.

At the stroke of midnight, before we partake of the media noche, my mom would be asking us to jump up and down, while she busied herself counting paper bills of big denominations. She would also be scattering coins on the floor of the whole house. My dad would be lighting the firecrackers by this time. He would finish everything then eating will begin.

These traditions have been observed every year. And I am just wondering if they really make sense at all. Now that I have my own family, I asked my husband on the traditions he observed and we both agreed to just keep what is safe for us and the kids.

We don’t buy firecrackers at all not just because it’s not safe but because I believe it is a waste of money. We give away to neighbors the firecrackers we receive as gifts. I don’t wear polka dot dress either because I don’t have one and I don’t see the need of buying and using one just for the occasion. And I don’t make resolutions either, much more ask them from my kids.

As for jumping up and down, well my kids do that anytime while playing. So I don’t need to ask. What I observe is filling the cupboards with rice, and buying all kinds of fruits available. This is because we all love fruits and though expensive, I know none of it will go to waste.

Happy New Year to everybody!