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Holidays:  New Year's Traditions?  |
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Woodswoman
True Blue Farmgirl
512 Posts
Jennifer
Altamont
NY
USA
512 Posts |
 Posted - Nov 20 2006 : 2:36:50 PM
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Hi!
Every year, I keep thinking that I would like to start some New Year's traditions. For awhile it was always the "go out with the friends" routine, but I've gotton to the point where I don't like the crowds, noise, etc. so much anymore.
So, does anyone have any traditions-food, activities, etc. that make the New Year special for them without being crazy?
Jennifer |
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BlueApple
True Blue Farmgirl
430 Posts
Julia
Oregon
USA
430 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2006 : 3:08:13 PM
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We always felt it was safer to stay home, so we have goodies and play games, oh and make milkshakes..and then watch the ball drop on tv when it gets close to midnight.
Julia
BlueApple Farm
http://www.homesteadblogger.com/BlueAppleFarm/ |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2006 : 3:13:02 PM
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My son-in-laws family all get together and play Tripoli. When the kids were little I used to let them stay up and if anyone was awake at midnight we would go out on the front porch and bang pots and lids. We would make little sandwiches and have juice and think we were all grown up. I haven't made that transition yet.
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
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willowtreecreek
True Blue Farmgirl
4813 Posts
Julie
Russell
AR
USA
4813 Posts |
Posted - Nov 20 2006 : 4:05:28 PM
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We have "snacks" for dinner around 8:00 or so. Usually our snacks consist of peel and eat shrimp, hot wings, potato skins, mini pigs in a blanket (crescent rolls around coctail weanies), a pumpernickle round filled with homemade dill dip and what ever cookies are leftover from Christmas. Usually while we eat we watch a movie. When we are done and stuffed silly we go outside and start a HUGH bonfire with all the limbs and grass and leaves we have collected over the fall(don't get much snow around here). Each year we try to make the bonfire bigger than before. If we aren't too full we might roast some marshmallows on the fire. We hang out until about midnight and then we set off some fireworks (they are legal here at 4th of july and new years). Then we go to bed and sleep in the next morning.
Jewelry, art, baskets, etc.
www.willowtreecreek.com |
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KYgurlsrbest
True Blue Farmgirl
4853 Posts
Jonni
Elsmere
Kentucky
USA
4853 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 06:54:21 AM
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I always look at New Year as a time of reflection and also rejuvination, so my husband and I go to Pleasant Hill (or Shakertown), near Harrodsburg, Kentucky. It's one of 3-4 surviving shaker settlements (though just the buildings survive, not the shakers), and it sits on 2200 acres in the middle of the most beautiful countryside. We rent a house from 1811, and sit by the wide hearth fireplace from New Year's Eve on (about 3 days). We are usually the only folks there, and at night, we walk around the lantern lit paths, and visit the animals in the crisp night air, and in the daytime, we hike the trails through the densely wooded areas, down to the Kentucky River and the palisades. The sky is heavy with stars there, and you can actually see constellations. I always bring a journal to write down my hopes for the new year, and rememberances of the year past. We pick our two favorite cd purchases of the year, and listen to them, and drink some really good champagne to drink fireside. When it strikes midnight, we go outside to into the cold to greet the new year. Last year, with the warm fire and champagne, we missed midnight entirely!!!!
Just think of all of the roads there are...all of the things I haven't seen....yet. |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Nov 21 2006 : 07:11:26 AM
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Our little town has a big new years party each year in the high school gym with a different theme each year..I think last year it was "'50's". It is adults and older teens only, so we don't go. We have always sort of had a family game night on New Years eve and then on New Years day we have some sort of buffet dinner and have family over. We did chinese stuff one year and did it potluck style, mexican food another year. No matter what we have a pot of black eyed peas for good luck and everyone has to have at least a spoonful. I love them anyway!
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2006 : 6:36:28 PM
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Every New Year's eve, for as long as I can remember, I write down things from the previous year that I would like to let go of - habits, memories, stuff - and burn them - a symbolic way of "out with the old/in with the new!" We put them in the fireplace as kids, and I have just done it every year - I love it. Last year, we, too, had a huge bonfire outside - it was wonderful! AND, I invited our guests (all three of them!) to join in my "writing and burning" ritual. I think they really enjoyed it.
Jenny - my mom serves "Hoppin' John" (aka black-eyed peas) on New Year's Day for good luck, too! It's great!!!
XOXO, Libbie
"Nothing is worth more than this day." - Goethe |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Dec 02 2006 : 7:42:19 PM
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Before we had kids , we would usually go to someone's house party and be exhausted but get up and drive to the beach all bundled up take a walk, collect shells, drift wood,beach glass (check the family summer house) and then go have the best clam chowder lunch at a little lunch counter kind of place around the block. After being windblown and full, we would head back home content and ready to start a new year.
After kids...We now let all the cousins sleepover and they have great fun playing games, racing around creating general mayhem. When they were small we would set the clocks ahead so they would really be going to bed about an hour past their regular bedtimes but thought they were staying up til midnight! We would go outside bang pots and pans, play kazoos, set off tiny fireworks(Papa Bear's job) and light sparklers. Then we would come in and have our "champagne" (sparkling cider) and dessert to finish up before the kids went to bed! A few of our friends would stop by and have more dessert, music and board games. By midnight the grownups were tired and ready for bed!
We have now merged the kid and adult stuff so everyone stays up and we have friends come over for a potluck buffet type dinner
and all the kids seem to make one big happy crazy mix! The nice part is the kids are starting to play their own instuments and music. New Year's Day we usually hang out or go "visiting" and more fabulous grub!
Oh! And it wouldn't be New Years for my husband either without his Hoppin' John! Me? Not so much! I can take it or leave it, but he has
so few requests for "traditions" that I have to make sure he has it!
with a happy heart |
Edited by - bramble on Dec 02 2006 7:51:02 PM |
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Annab
True Blue Farmgirl
2900 Posts
Anna
Seagrove
NC
USA
2900 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2006 : 03:24:57 AM
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for many years, my family would get together w/ another family and have hamemade chili and watch movies I miss those times
Here in the South many people eat collards, blackeyed peas and cornbread on New Year's Day. I substitute the peas for pintoes (I'm from the north originally) |
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ArmyWifey
True Blue Farmgirl
712 Posts
Holly
Abilene
KS
712 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2006 : 08:35:48 AM
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We usually just have eggnog, party snacks, sparkling cider and watch movies/play games. Last year I had several friends over and it was a lot of fun so we may do that again this year. New Year's Day is clean up day, also set goals as a family and individually (more spiritual than physical), and making Hoppin John if I remember (black eyes with rice).
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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berries
True Blue Farmgirl
475 Posts
gloria g
Florida
USA
475 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2006 : 09:08:14 AM
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Growing up, we lived in the country, so like others, my parents always invited neighbors and family to come out to our house. We ate big, played games, watched T.V. and then we all just slept - wherever we could find a place! Get up, have a wonderful breakfast and spend time riding horses! That's what we did all the time. We were all barrel racers, so we would all practice in our field! I love'd those times.
As adults, until children on my own, still spent time with family, but with the kids, we stayed home (safe) and played games, ate, and had (faux) drinks!!!!
In 1997, my father passed away on 1/1/97, and now it means an entirely different time to me. A time of reflection, but still sharing it at home, quietly, and just remembering. Oh how I miss him.
Thanks for sharing..... My sons now live far away, so my husband, animals and I spend our time just quietly in our corner of the world.
farmgirl hugs, gloria g. Richards, TX
strawberry fields forever and ever!
www.strawberryhousequilting.com |
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Dec 09 2006 : 10:50:40 AM
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When my youngest was about 2 we started a New Year's tradition with her. We don't like to go out so decided to have our own little party at home. We get a taco bean dip tray from our local Albertson's, have chips, and some other snacks plus sparkling cider. We all sit around the coffee table, watch movies, and eat our goodies. Then at midnight we go outside and bang on pots and pans to ring in the New Year. I remember when Steph was finally old enough to make it to midnight -- she was so excited! Now that she's a teenager I'm sure this tradition will probably change and it will be dad and I eating the taco dip.
Then New Year's Day is ham, beans, and cornbread for good luck in the New Year.
The Rustic Cottage Etsy Shop http://therusticcottage.etsy.com
Visit my blog! http://nwfarmerette.blogspot.com |
Edited by - therusticcottage on Dec 09 2006 10:51:17 AM |
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FarmGirl~K
True Blue Farmgirl
512 Posts
Kelly
TX
USA
512 Posts |
Posted - Dec 10 2006 : 01:19:49 AM
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We usually stay home on New Years. Feels safer that way!
We usually flip the stations between all of the New Years shows & have snacks. Usually Ritz & cheese. Chex mix, & whatever the kids choose. I always make these little puffs that have cheese & pepperoni in them. The dough is cut from store bought croissant dough. They are yummy. I buy sparkling cider so everyone can CHEERS! at the ball drop.
We all give hugs & kisses & my husband says a prayer to start the new year off right. Sometimes we get those popper things that have the confetti & streamers inside & pop those.
My DH & his family when they were young would open the front door, make a wish, & throw a penny put the door... not sure what that meant, but it was their tradition.
~K |
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Celticheart
True Blue Farmgirl
811 Posts
Marcia
WA
USA
811 Posts |
Posted - Dec 11 2006 : 9:14:27 PM
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We usually stay home on New Year's Eve. We usually make our favorite snacks, watch movies and just relax.
This year we're starting a new tradition. When we moved to our house on 7 acres in May we also inherited a big brush pile down by the creek that runs along the back edge of the property. We hadn't been here a week and my husband announced that we're inviting friends over and having a bonfire on New Year's Eve. Fireworks too I think. Sounds like fun to me!
"I suppose the pleasure of country life lies really in the eternally renewed evidence of the determination to live." Vita Sackville-West
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lcesnick
Farmgirl at Heart
6 Posts
Lisa
Frostburg
MD
USA
6 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2006 : 05:26:31 AM
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When we lived closer to Washington D.C. we would drive in every New Years Day and spend the day perusing the museums which are open. We'd have a little picnic by the reflecting pool...it always felt like we had the place to ourselves! No one is there on New Year's Day.
Now that we're back on the farm, we invite friends over for brunch and insist that everyone come in PJs! We eat, play games...it's great!
Lisa
quote:
Originally posted by Woodswoman
Hi!
Every year, I keep thinking that I would like to start some New Year's traditions. For awhile it was always the "go out with the friends" routine, but I've gotton to the point where I don't like the crowds, noise, etc. so much anymore.
So, does anyone have any traditions-food, activities, etc. that make the New Year special for them without being crazy?
Jennifer
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Bluewrenn
True Blue Farmgirl
1122 Posts
Erin
Texas
USA
1122 Posts |
Posted - Dec 15 2006 : 06:01:34 AM
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Keep in mind that we have a special menu for Christmas - usually Norwegian, but sometimes, if we want a switch, it'll be Greek, or Spanish, or German. We have a tree decorated with traditional Norwegian ornaments and we make it a theme for our holidays.
One year, shortly after we were married, I found a set of Japanese sake cups and a sake warming pot. I got it as a gift for my husband and we use it on NYE. The next year I found some matching rice bowls and every year since, I try to find something to add to the set.
Each New Year's Eve, we pull out the special collection and do a light Japanese meal - usually some sort of soup, maybe with seafood, some rice and some authentic japanese styled veggie dish. Then sushi and sake (and fortune cookies) at midnight for good luck.
Other than that, we don't do much. We usually go to bed at 12:04 am and while DH may have a drink or two, other than the sake, I don't drink. If we had guests, which happens rarely, I'd serve a more substantial meal - probably something with shrimp and rice, lots of appetizers, lots of sushi and maybe some meat kabobs, and punch.
This year will be different as my sister is flying me to Atlanta for a special babysitting job on New Year's. I'll fly in on Saturday and back home on New Year's Day, so DH and I will do our thing when I get home.
My Homesteading Journal http://toomyvara.livejournal.com
My craft journal http://bluewrenn.livejournal.com
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Woodswoman
True Blue Farmgirl
512 Posts
Jennifer
Altamont
NY
USA
512 Posts |
Posted - Dec 26 2006 : 09:44:32 AM
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Thanks for all of the great ideas!!
Jennifer |
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - Dec 28 2006 : 7:04:27 PM
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New Years here means, board games, shooting pool and a good movie, shared with family and friends. I always make a big pot of bean soup (for good luck in the New Year) and corn bread. Very casual.
Rhonda
I'm a one girl revolution. |
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Beach Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
111 Posts
Vanessa
Williamsburg
VA
111 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2006 : 09:57:45 AM
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Before we moved to the island, we stayed home. I baked a cake and wrote out the new year across it and decorated with lots of colored sprinkles. We'd eat that at midnight while sipping sparkling cider. This year we will be with the entire church (kids included) at the house of one of the ladies. We all bring finger foods and ring in the new year together.
The other tradition we have always done as a family is the new calendar presentation at breakfast on New Years Eve. I special order (according to his likes, hobbies, etc.) new calendars for each boy (& me) and we unwrap them at breakfast.
Happy New Year Farmgirls! 
Vanessa
Farmgirl-by-the-Sea |
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horse
True Blue Farmgirl
371 Posts
laura
pontotoc
mississippi
USA
371 Posts |
Posted - Dec 30 2006 : 11:38:09 AM
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We usually just stay at home. On New Years Day we eat black eye peas, hog jowl, some type of greens and corn bread. I have always been told that what you do on New Years Day is what you will be doing for the rest of that year. I have also been told not to wash clothes on that day for it means that you will be washing clothes for a death in the family. This New Years Day I'm going to fix the food and then head out to a barrel race. We will have 3 out of the 6 kids with us. The older 3 will be traveling back from Key West FL where they have gone for New Years weekend. I always want my family with me so that through the year my family will be with me. ( did that make sense to ya) I also have been told that whoever you kiss at the stroke of midnight is the one you will be with throughout the year. Will be grabbn my husbby at the stroke of midnight.
Laura
3 barrels, 2 hearts, 1 passion |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2007 : 12:52:29 PM
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We don't have any special tradition for New Year's Eve - as kids we played board games, but now DH and I just stay home and cozy up in front of the TV with a movie.
But New Year's Day, we HAVE to have pork and sauerkraut. Either with mashed potatoes and gravy, per my German ancestor's tradition, or with pierogies like my husband's Polish ones. I found a recipe for pierogie casserole that is a lot less work, and sometimes I make it as a compromise.... Here's a similar recipe I found online, just add sauerkraut as a layer in the lasagna. http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Polish-Style-Lasagna/Detail.aspx
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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Holidays: New Year's Traditions? |
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New Year's Traditions?
