For those of you who are new, you can find an explanation on Tradition Tuesdays HERE
New Year’s Fortune Cake:
Try baking a New Year’s Fortune Cake. It doesn’t make any difference what kind of cake. Once the cake has been baked, cut small slits and insert some New Year’s fortune charms (these can be found at any local bead or craft store). Look for charms that represent predictions for the coming year (i.e. a heart for love, coin for riches, suitcase for travel, three leaved clover for luck, etc.). If they are really small you might want to attach a ribbon so they won’t be missed. With each piece of cake you not only get a delicious treat, but also a fortune to start off the New Year.
Note-able Memory Jar:
At the first of the year put out an empty jar with a note pad and pen by it. Whenever something noteworthy happens write it down and put it in the jar. On New Years Day go through and read your notable memories. Put all the notes in an envelope and place them in a book with the year written on the outside.
Candle Light Ceremony:
New Years Eve is the best time to reflect on the past, as well as contemplate the future. On New Years Eve (or New Years Day), set the table with a special candle for each person at your celebration, then lower the lights. One by one each person at the table lights the candle of another and shares a special memory or major achievement that the other person has accomplish during the past year. It is then the honored person’s turn to share their New Year’s resolutions with the rest of the group. This tradition is a wonderful way to share in each others trials and triumphs from the past year, and to lend support for future dreams and goals.
Winter Camping:
Go camping. Sit in front of the campfire and exchange stories about the last year and shares their resolutions for the year to come!
Little New Year:
On New Year’s Eve, each person in the family sets a plate out on the hearth for the new Little New Year to leave them a gift and a note. The Little New Year gives each person 10 cents for each year of his or her life, a candy bar, and usually a small game, toy, or trinket. The biggest treat, however, is the note each person receives. It is always written in sloppy handwriting as if a baby had written it, and it tells each person how nice they have been the past year and how the Little New Year hopes each person will be just as nice in the year to come. Whatever the New Year says and gives should be pertinent to what is going on in the lives of each individual.
As always, PLEASE feel free to leave a comment with some of YOUR favorite tradition ideas for us all to enjoy!
