January 1st in many parts of the world is celebrated as the beginning of a new year.  These celebrations take different forms but people look to this day as a way of starting anew and find ways to to make a fresh start.  The most common thing people do is go to a party, to celebrate with loved ones.  Not only is this an extension of just wanting to party and have a good time but  many people believe that what you do during the time of the new year is what you will be doing for the rest of that year.  By trying to insure they are having a good time at the stroke of midnight means they will have a good time through the year.  This is also a time to clean out the old, getting rid of those bad things that have happened in the past.  We want to not keep the baggage of past mistakes or unfortunate events around to cause the coming year to be bad.  While in the United States the celebrations are centered around parting with friends other countries look to this time differently.  Russia is a good example where the new year is marked by exchanging of gifts with family and friends.  Similar to the traditions that are found in the U.S. this is the time to get together with family and enjoy their company.  The gift giving is reminiscent of Christmas in the U.S..  And just like in the holiday celebrated there the people of Russia will put off the buying of gifts and cause the last few days to be one of manic shopping at stores.

In the United States different areas will even have their own traditions, such as in the south east soaking lima beans over the holiday and eating them on the morning of the first to bring good luck. 

So I am using this day to mark the beginning of my new blog and podcast.  You will see many more things being posted from now on and I hope you will take a moment or two to let me know what you think of this endeavor as well as share with me some of your holiday traditions and even some of the special days you either celebrate or may know about.  Please accept my wish for you to have the best year and enjoy all that life has to offer.

Jeffrey Johnson