by Debby Peebles

Created on: January 01, 2010   Last Updated: January 02, 2010

Enjoying New Year's Eve without a party. I wonder to myself here if there isn't some hidden message in the phrase, "without a party."

The question we are, quite possibly, really being asked is;  "How to enjoy New Year's Day by dodging a hangover!" Am I right, I think so.

I live in New Zealand and I am in my late 40's and the common idealism, surrounding New Year's eve, is that you get as drunk and as loud as you possibly can. Thereby risking injury, death, embarrassment, unwanted pregnancy (for young ones, that is), headaches, cuts bruises and loss of personal belongings or your driver's licence or your car.

Seldom is midnight remembered and most of the night is best forgotten. I saw on my Facebook page today that quite a few of my friends were congratulating themselves on not having a hangover ! I too, congratulate myself on that point. One of my friends was groaning about her hangover, ooh! Poor girl!

So how did I enjoy myself on New Year's eve without a party. Simple! I stayed home. I invited no one around and I bought no booze.

I sat up with my children and watched a kiddies' movie and then we all went to bed and I read a novel. Oh, I did buy us all an ice cream to eat whilst watching the movie, which was a well deserved treat for staying home. I was asleep by 10.30 pm.

I missed nothing and I felt no loss at all, of anything or anyone. I think I am possibly richer by staying home.

My husband plays in a band and he plays nearly every New Year's eve. Last night he got in at around 3 am. He was very tired this morning and possibly had a slight hangover, I didn't ask. I care slightly but I was enjoying the sunshine of a new day of a new year to want to sympathize.

I even wrote a poem about today - I felt so positive and energetic! Now that is something to celebrate.

Not staying up late, no hangover, no cringing moments sneaking up on you throughout the day - that, my friend, is enjoyment.

Perhaps next year, I may invite some people round or join a non-alcoholic dinner party elsewhere. I'll see. But really, staying home with the kids and watching a movie, worked really well for me this year!

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