Well, we’ve almost made it through another year. One day I’ll summon the courage to do Times Square on New Year’s Eve – when the nighttime temperature is in the 50s. Just last week it was 56 degrees at 11 p.m. so it could happen.
Bringing in the new year in Times Square is a tradition that dates back to 1904 and is one of those things that every New Yorker should be required to do before they turn 50. Really 30, but I say 50 because I want to believe that I’m still young enough at heart to do such a youthful thing. For now, the thought of braving the cold for hours and standing jam-packed with hundreds of thousands of other people who have nowhere to go, have to keep their alcohol hidden and are struggling to stay warm is not as enticing as being one of the billion people watching the Waterford crystal ball drop and a ton of confetti float to the ground from the comfort of my living room.
I remember the days when I had to be at a New Year’s Eve party. And years ago they were quite fun. But as time as went on, unless I was doing something big like going to Las Vegas or skiing, then I became quite happy to stay at home, sip champagne, reflect on the year and think about what I’d like to accomplish in the coming 12 months.
That’s what I will do tonight while just down the street thousands of people celebrate wildly. One day I’ll be one of them. It’s something to add to my “bucket list” though I’m sure I’ll be in a swank hotel room overlooking Times Square rather than down in the action. That still counts in my book.
