New Year’s Eve is a time to think about the year behind you and get ready for the year ahead. It's a time of inward reflection pondering on life's accomplishments and looking forward to goals that are still yet to be achieved. If you're like me, all that thinking hurts your wee little brain. So instead of writing down goals for 2012 or coming up with another New Year's resolution that you probably won't keep, why not go out and celebrate the fact that you are young, wild, and free! And even if you're not that young… or wild… and you're married with children, raise that champagne glass or solo cup and get ready for the last year on earth!
Here are a few tips for ringing in 2012:
1) Topics of conversation for the evening: Yes, it's cool to ask what everyone's resolution is for the upcoming year. It could start some pretty interesting conversations about life, love, and the best way to actually lose those 10 pounds. It's also cool to talk about different traditions and rituals people follow around the world. However, forget the doom and gloom and talks of the end of the world. Nobody wants to hear about the Mayan calendar for the 27 billionth time.
2) Someone once told me the entire New Year reflects upon who you spend NYE with and what you're doing that night, so CHOOSE WISELY. If you spend the evening puking in a porcelain pot, some say your entire year is going to end up in the toilet. Who knows how true this is, but in my case, I invariably end up hanging out with the peeps I partied with on December 31st for the entire year and doing much of the same activity whether it be attending concerts or keeping it low key with close friends.
3) Wear red panties! According to Italian ritual, wearing red panties will bring you good luck in the upcoming year. Red is a very powerful color symbolizing passion, love, and sex. Who doesn't want all of these things in the year to come? Whether it be thongs, boxers, or your teensy G-string, make sure they're a sexy shade of red.
4) Be prepared for that New Year's kiss! For some, New Year's Eve is a night of traditions, and one of those traditions is puckering up. Whoever you end up kissing, have an Altoid on hand, for Pete's sake! No one wants to start off the New Year with bad breath. Also, it never hurts to brush up on those smooching skills, whether you're planning for just a peck or playing tonsil hockey.
5) Learn the chorus of the popular song "Auld Lang Syne." This is one of the most sung songs in the world, especially to ring in the New Year. Though you may be a mumbling mess by midnight, you can still feel good about yourself for knowing a timeless tidbit of trivia!
6) A tip I shouldn't have to give, but some inevitably forget: Don't drive if you have been drinking! Store the number of a cab service in your phone or if you have a smart phone, download an app like Call a Taxi. I can't imagine getting a DUI is a very fun way of starting 2012.
Most importantly, wherever you are and whomever you may be with, have a good time! Until next year, Cheers! ~Nena
