I am looking at 2020 as the year almost the entire population was forced to slow down and change (hoping for the better). Many people were able to stay home and spend more time with family. Many people were able to work from home as companies had to switch operations. Many people learned new skills whether baking/cooking/sewing/knitting, etc. Many people cleaned out and organized clutter (I know I donated a lot of items). Many people started home businesses and found they may continue them. I actually decided to end one of my home businesses after 15 years.
Many people discovered what was important to them personally whether it be mentally, physically, emotionally or spiritually. I found that I could become a hermit in so many ways. I do miss socializing a bit, but I really enjoy staying home for days on end and being a lump in the chair...LOL! I have to admit I've been exhausted. I don't know if it's the result of the past several years of holding everything together or not, but I am hoping for a bit more energy in 2021.
I don't make resolutions per se, but my hope is the pandemic/virus gets under control so we can hug again or at least feel comfortable socializing a bit.. I also want to study/practice Reiki and energy work again.
Although I hope to stay up til midnight to usher out 2020, I have to work in the morning so I may be fast asleep...LOL! I thought I would provide some of the traditions around the world in case you want to try any. I found these in the Washington Post.
Japan: Eat toshikoshi soba - To commemorate New Year’s Eve, people eat toshikoshi soba, or “year-crossing” soba, which can symbolize having a long and fortunate life along with a clean break from the year.
Denmark: Jump off a chair -In Denmark, one does not simply let the new year happen. You go on the offense and jump into it. Just before midnight, stop what you’re doing and get on a chair to execute the jump like a Dane would. Should you forget to jump, it’s said that you’ll bring bad luck for the following year, so please, we’re begging you — do not forget to jump.
Spain: Eat 12 grapes -Perhaps the easiest tradition to carry out is eating grapes for good luck.
Costa Rica: Run your suitcase around the block -At midnight, it’s tradition to grab a suitcase and run around the block in the hopes of traveling in the new year.
Greece: Hang some onions - In Greece, onions symbolize rebirth, so people hang them up on their doors on Dec. 31 to encourage a year of growth. Keep the Greek traditions going by baking a vasilopita on New Year’s Day. Hide a coin in the cake and share it with your loved ones — whoever finds the coin is said to have a year of good luck.
Ecuador: Burn effigies - In Ecuador and other parts of Central and South America, New Year’s Eve heats up when midnight strikes. People head outside to burn effigies that symbolize the year. By lighting the effigy on fire, you’re letting the bad of the year go and moving onto the next.
Russia: Burn, then drink, your wishes - Before midnight, write down your wishes for 2021 on a piece of paper, then light the paper on fire. Once it’s stopped burning, sprinkle the wish-filled ashes into a glass of champagne and drink up after the clock strikes midnight.
Happy New Year! I wish you all the best in 2021! Until we chat again...stay safe and wear the damn mask! Marie
“May you have a prosperous New Year.” “Wishing you a happy, healthy New Year.” “May the New Year bless you with health, wealth, and happiness.” “In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, never in want.” Author unknown