Opinion: Of the many special dates on our calendar, New Year's Eve is the worst. Even Groundhog Day is better, and that's just stupid.
Christmas and Hanukkah have ended, neighbors are slowly taking down their lights, and the kids are already bored with their new toys. But we survived another hectic holiday and can enjoy a few more days of seasonal downtime before getting back to work.Of the many special dates on our calendar, New Year’s is the worst. Even Groundhog Day is better, and that’s just stupid.As a kid, New Year’s Eve fascinated me.
By my mid-20s, I gave up on the holiday and decided Hollywood sold me a bill of goods. I was expecting the Great Gatsby and got Trevor hanging his head over the toilet. The reality of New Year’s Eve was bleak.Friends told me I had to attend next year’s bash because, well, that’s what you’re supposed to do. I wasn’t having it. I’ll spend my evening alone, thank you, and curse Dick Clark for his pivotal role in the deception.
This is the same reason I avoid Vegas. If you’re into gambling, drinking and … other activities, just do your thing. But if you shout “Wooo” at me, I’ll return the favor tomorrow as you nurse your hangover.What are we even celebrating on New Year’s Eve – an arbitrary hour on an arbitrary calendar? If we stuck with the old Julian calendar, 2022 would start in the middle of next month. It has no meaning. There aren’t even any presents.