New Years

Resolutions;
The season of renewal, of rebirth, or of regret, guilt, of seasonal affected crumbling or jaw setting perseverance, the New Year season is upon us. As long as humans have been on the planet in northern climes this time has brought celebration and introspection. There is a renewal of an ancient celtic New Year tradition, the Hogmanay. Some have translated this to be, ‘Old Year’s Night.’ Hogmanay died out for the most part around the time of the reformation, originating in pagan celt times and heretical given the puritanical zeal of that age. I love the idea of Hogmanay as it is practiced now in Scotland and on such a large scale. Fire and loud revelry greet the New Year and then the night remains very social, with ‘First Footing,’ a lovely tradition of visiting your neighbours. You pop by, bearing a small gift and are rewarded with a whiskey and hospitality. If a tall, dark and handsome stranger crosses your threshold, then luck awaits in the coming year. The fire is thought to represent the light of knowledge and it is to burn large and brightly into the New Year symbolically bringing the old years lessons into the the new but also firing away last year. How very wonderful. A night to reflect on the fact that we are one year closer to wisdom, that mistakes can be burned away, and that community and celebration are an essential part of being human.

Hogmanay was not practiced this year in the Nicholson household. Three young children and a couple of tuckered parents kept revelry to a minimum and, though we’ve been here three years, we still feel a little isolated from community in PEI. No likelihood of neighbours popping in at ten after twelve laden with tupperware and smiles. I guess this leads naturally to another New Year’s tradition, the making of lists, of resolutions. What did Mark Twain say about resolutions? Something about good intentions quickly being used as paving stones on the way to hell - old curmudgeon - lets ignore him and soldier on.

1. To start, next year we shall celebrate in the finest of Hogmanay tradition - I’ll bring the camera to capture the priceless, startled faces of the neighbours who probably still aren’t quite sure of our names. Can’t you see them peeking out from their blinds at the monstrous bonfire in our backyard - and then the whispered, “holy smokes, Myrtle, it looks like those folks from away are heading for the front door, for the love of mike put on your house coat.’

Lets call the next few the ubiquitous resolutions:

2. To be kinder.

3. To be thinner.

4. To be fitter.

There, now back to more likely resolutions:

5. I resolve to grow out my bald spot - and then get a perm. Every dad should do this and I’ve been waiting for JT to get old enough to be able to really experience this to the fullest - I mean, to really be embarrassed. It is what Dad’s do.

6. I resolve to see my wife finish the Boston Marathon prior to turning 40. She’s my hero and inspiration.

7. I resolve to learn how to play and sing at least two Glen Hansard songs - if you haven’t seen the movie, Once, then do so - it is grand.
And while I know that ten seems to be the cherry number for lists, including New Year’s Resolutions, I’ve always been a rebel - stop laughing - so:

8. I resolve to cherish my family and be true to myself, no arsing around.

Well that’s it. Hope all of you have a wonderful 2008. We send love.

B