by Rebecca Carvalho

Created on: November 26, 2009

Also called Old Year's Night, or Reveillon, New Year's Eve is one of the most popular celebrations in the world. It is the celebration of a miracle: the chance to start a new life; make new plans; and have new hopes and expectations. The global message that there is an opportunity to restart embraces every people no matter what calendar type they follow. You can celebrate your new beginning the way you want, whenever you understand you are entering a new cycle - though you might want to consider evaluate yourself beforehand.

If you are a Mr. Bean fan you probably know the meaning of a not very successful New Year's Eve party: immortalized by British actor Rowan Atkinson, on episode "Do-It-Yourself" after minutes that involved newspaper party hats; no real food or beverages; and an oppressive silence; Mr. Bean's friends tricked him by changing the time on his clock, consequently having the countdown to January 1st hours before they should, and pretending to be tired they left earlier.

Even though Mr. Bean's visitors were not what one could call friends, from this episode one gets advice on what to avoid if you are throwing a party. Although you want your friends to have a good time more than anything, remember you also deserve to feel comfortable and happy with the situation you are in. Big parties do not always mean more fun - at times, depending on your personality and mood, small gatherings are just more effective. Also, after deciding on the number of guests you will invite, prepare yourself accordingly: the size of your party will tell you how much you should spend on grocery shopping; or whether you would have to cook by yourself, or contract catering services. Attached to the ideas for your menu remember to have a list with your guests' food restrictions: you do not want allergies incidents to occur.

In many countries, like in Brazil, fireworks shows are a big tradition. Lights display are very appealing to the eyes, and if you have people you love by you the experience turns out to be even better. The Brazilian fireworks display usually happen at the beach; however, no matter you are in a tropical or cold country, make sure what will really matter is to maintain your heart warm by truly enjoying the moment.

Unfortunately, sometimes the people you love the most, like your family, are far from reach for various reasons. Virtual gatherings, done online or by phone, seem to be the most effective way to reunite with the ones that are far away. If you want to be creative, have some festive balloons behind you when, for example, you video-call your family and friends. Remember that the importance of celebrating New Year's Eve is the chance to share the feeling of rebirth with the rest of the planet; and you may want to break geographical barriers, if necessary, in order to send joy to farther places.

This year bear in mind that if you follow your own heart's wishes, and get planned in accordance to that, you can throw a fun New Year's Eve party. No matter where you are, and what traditions you decided to follow, remember to spread joy to the ones you love. Watching fireworks shows on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro - Brazil, or on Times Square, N.Y.; surrounded by many people, or just a few close friends; hugging your relatives, or simply waving at a webcam... Have a happy New Year!

Learn more about this author, Rebecca Carvalho.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.