2012 is coming to an end, which means one thing: New Year’s Eve celebrations! Cultures around the world have New Year’s Eve traditions, so many students ask what American traditions are for this special night. Students celebrating New Year’s Eve in the U.S. have many options:
Go Crazy
Many younger Americans choose to go to a bar or club for New Year’s Eve. Party-goers dress up in formal clothes (usually with sequins or sparkles for the girls) and wear fun New Year’s Eve hats. Make sure to book your tickets far in advance for these events: it is almost impossible to get in to these bars or clubs without a reservation.
Most restaurants stay open late on New Year’s Eve, and the chefs create a special menu for this night. If you want to see what San Diego and San Francisco chefs have to offer, this is your night to eat out! Chefs take advantage of this night and put dishes on the menu that you normally do not see. Most dinners are ordered at a set price and are served in courses. Make sure to make reservations in advance.
Be Lazy
Are you not interested in going out or dressing up? You are not alone! Many Americans choose to have a casual night with friends and family. Typically, Americans who stay in for New Year’s Eve turn on the television and watch the New Year’s Eve Special from Times Square in New York City. Famous singers and bands perform throughout the night, and the celebration ends at midnight when the large lighted ball drops from Times Square.
American Traditions
Wherever you are this New Year’s Eve, make sure to:
– count down from 10Â – 0 at midnight
– kiss someone you love (it’s a tradition!)
– drink sparkling cider or champagne
– surround yourself with people who mean the most to you. A New Year’s Eve superstition is that you must be with the people you love when the clock turns to midnight; you will have a good relationship with these people the whole year.
Happy New Year to all of our students past, present, and future. We hope that 2012 brought you happiness, success, and improved English skills, and we hope to help you continue improving your English in 2013! 🙂