How Americans “Ring in the New Year” :
How Americans “Ring in the New Year” New Year’s Eve
Party!
Date: the last day of the Gregorian calendar, December 31
Eat special hors d’oeuvres (appetizers), dishes
Stay up until Midnight or beyond
Countdown begins… 10 – 9 – 8
Pop open champagne bottle and make a toast
At 12:00, they blow noisemakers, throw confetti, kiss partners, make toasts and wishes for a happy new year
New Year’s Eve :
New Year’s Eve Some cities have firework displays (Washington, D.C. televises its famous display)
Times Square in New York City has a famous New Year's countdown starting 60 seconds before midnight. At exactly midnight a large ball covered with lights slides down a pole
Families and/or friends gather; young people may go to special festivities (live music or DJs) at big hotels, nightclubs, etc.
Traditional Song :
Traditional Song “Auld Lang Syne”
old Scottish poem
tells about the need to remember old friends
words “auld lang syne” mean “old long since”
Listen to part of song
New Year’s Day :
New Year’s Day Nurse a hangover!
American football
Close to home and on TV:
Tournament of Roses, Pasadena, CA: Started in1886 -- members of the Valley Hunt Club decorated their carriages with flowers to celebrate ripening of the orange crop in California
Preceded by the famous Rose Bowl Parade
New Year’s Day :
New Year’s Day Resolutions
Goals/promises you make to yourself for changes you want to make in your life
Americans’ top resolutions:
Lose Weight
Manage Debt
Save Money
Get a Better Job
Get Fit
Get a Better Education
Drink Less Alcohol
Quit Smoking Now
Reduce Stress Overall
Reduce Stress at Work
Take a Trip
Volunteer to Help Others
Happy 2010! The countdown begins…. :
Happy 2010! The countdown begins….
Sources/ For more information :
Sources/ For more information http://www.elcivics.com/new-years-lesson.html
http://wilstar.com/holidays/newyear.htm
http://www.usa.gov/citizens/holidays.shtml
http://www.theholidayspot.com/newyear/celebration.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_4580890_do-american-new-years-traditions.html