So, what about New Year? (house, movies, live)

[Elcarim]

What are your traditions, what do you eat, etc?

We've ALWAYS eaten corned beef, cabbage, blackeyed peas & cornbread. I don't remember a single year we didn't. As I'm studying my Irish heritage, there will be some modifications to the menu to follow more closely with my roots.

We haven't done much fireworks over the last several years, since they're all outlawed inside the city limits and can't even be BROUGHT into the city limits of Houston anymore. They even go to the trouble of setting up sting ops just outside the city where the fireworks stands are all set up. They watch cars as they leave the stands, and as soon as they cross back into the city, they nab 'em! Silly, I think.

We prefer a nice bonfire. Sometimes it's too hot for a big one, but we try to made a little one and spend some "quality time" around the fire. I follow nature's calendar and the turning of the seasons more closely, so there are other times of year that are more important to me, but I do try to honor the traditions that I've always enjoyed with my grandmother and family.

I can't imagine that New Year's in Maine would be celebrated much differently, but let's see!

[lrfox]

New years in Maine mostly tends to be relatively low-key and quaint which is why my parents make it a point to spend new years up there. They usually go to the house in bethel, do the dinner/ reception at the bethel inn and country club (very cute little place) and if they're feeling upto it, they go to The foggy goggle at Sunday River later in the evening to watch the fireworks.

My girlfriends family spends new years at sugarloaf which has a little fireworks display as well as a little live entertainment, but still pretty low-key. Portand has a very nice little celebration too, but nothing big. Many people throw a party which is a bit easier than a Christmas party and it's a great way to get together with friends and family.

I'm going to take the girlfriend out to dinner and we're doing first night in Boston so not technically a Maine new years for us.

[AlisonL]

New Year's Eve in Maine is quiet in most places. We always stay home as there are too many drunk drivers out and about.
Fireworks are not legal in Maine, so you won't be seeing many of them.
We always got together with a group of friends and had an after-the-holidays party. In all the years we did this, only once did we have to cancel due to bad weather.

[chiisai]

On new years eve, we usually just stay home and watch a movie.

This year on New Years Day, we (sister and me, with our families) are going to my dads. It's a sneak attack, we haven't told dad we are showing up. We are inviting some friends and more family, and we all do pot luck (we just ask people to bring main dish or dessert etc.. so it's a surprise). Sometimes we even torture our guests with our slides.

Dad will love it, he gets lonely sometimes rattling around in the house by himself.(It's been a little over 2 years, since she died.) He really misses my mom. (we all do) He will really appreciate all the company.

[juststoppinby]

When the kids were growing up we always made New Years Eve a fun night. We had a group of friends with kids of similar ages. We took turns hosting the night, each year it was held at someone elses house. The party was more of a get together for families. We had easy and fun foods, lots and lots of snacks. Sliding for the kids and adults. Movies for the kids, games for the adults and some games for both adults and kids. We lived in a small town and most of the other families also lived in the same town. It made a nice fun evening for everyone.

[BacktoNE]

When I was in my 20's, I always went out on New Years Eve. Either to a bar or to a private party at the home of a friend.

DH & I no longer have any interest, mostly due to the drunk drivers but also because it tends to be so COLD. It's easier and more comfortable to stay home, make some popcorn, watch a movie and tuck ourselves into our nice comfy bed long before midnight.

[BoundtofindME]

A quiet evening at home, it's so lovely to sleep right through without hearing all the midnight hoopla we used to hear in our former home in Ohio. Not even a peep. Our former next door neighbor shot off a cannon at midnight and it always made me jump right out of my skin even when I knew it was coming LOL!! Miss them dearly...but not the cannon!

[Elcarim]

OMG! Down here, the Hispanics have a tradition of shooting off shotguns and rifles at midnight. I'm usually holding my breath about that time, waiting for the jolt. It's frightening. People have been killed in their homes from stray bullets. It really scares me. I think I'd rather endure one cannon blast!

[elston]

We are staying home......my DP is playing in a tennis tournement NYE evening.....and we are going to a house party for brunch the next day....a couple from church invited us....will be our first real "social event" since we moved here.....looking forward to meeting some new people. As you get older....social connections are harder to form....at least that is what I experience.

[K-Luv]

Originally Posted by Elcarim

I can't imagine that New Year's in Maine would be celebrated much differently, but let's see!

New Years in Maine is exactly as it is everywhere else; some people get drunk and make a lot of noise while others consider it just another day. Do you think that the elves and moose and leprechauns come out and celebrate here on a Maine New Years eve? Well, I am sure that some people see these things....

Originally Posted by Elcarim

OMG! Down here, the Hispanics have a tradition of shooting off shotguns and rifles at midnight. I'm usually holding my breath about that time, waiting for the jolt. It's frightening. People have been killed in their homes from stray bullets. It really scares me. I think I'd rather endure one cannon blast!

Hmmm....the Hispanics, eh? Yeah, I bet not one gringo in Texas fires off a gun at New Years

Last year was the first year that I 'celebrated' the New Years in what seems like a really long time. I was in Minneapolis for that one and I think that it was like ten below that night. This year......I dunno. I'll probably just sit around and watch a movie or maybe I'll go check out the bar down the street. I am one of those people that consider it just another day. I don't need an excuse to party.