Stream a cozy movie

There’s nothing like cozying up on the couch with a feel-good movie (holiday flicks are still allowed!) on New Year’s Day. Even better if you’re with loved ones or a pet.

Eat 12 Grapes

This tradition originated in Spain, but has spread worldwide. Each grape represents the 12  strikes of the clock at midnight, as well as the 12 months ahead. Spain calls it ‘Las doce uvas de la suerte’ or ‘The twelve grapes of luck.” This tradition is  believed to herald a year of prosperity.

Smash A Pomegranate

This is a Greek tradition: Smash a pomegranate on your front door on New Year’s Day. Called Kalo Podariko, the superstition is supposed to bring on good luck in the months ahead. 

Carry An Empty Suitcase

This tradition originated in Colombia, where locals walk around their neighborhood carrying an empty suitcase. The ritual, embraced especially by those desiring to travel more, signifies a year filled with adventures.

Leap Into The New Year

To jump into the new year, people in Denmark stand on a chair and proverbially “leap” into January at midnight by jumping off the chair onto the floor. Be careful with this one!

Open Doors And Windows

Open up the windows and doors around your home. The idea is to let go of the previous year and welcome in the fresh energy and vitality of the new one.

Clean Your Home

Who said you have to wait until spring-cleaning to get your home spick and span? Do a deep clean of your home on New Year’s Day to “sweep away” bad luck and allow good luck to pour into your abode.

Write A Letter

You could also film a short video clip for yourself or schedule an email to yourself if you prefer the high-tech version of this age-old ritual. In the letter, take the time to reminisce on the year, the lessons learned, and what you hope for in the year to come.

Visit A House Of Worship

A ritual often associated with Christian faiths includes attending a spiritual center such as a church or temple as a deeply significant, and thoroughly joy-filled tradition. “It’s an opportunity to thank God for the year that has been, and to step into the new year with a spirit of expectancy for continued blessings.

Create Your Own New Year Tradition

Perhaps you love another tradition when welcoming the next chapter. One that is unique to you or your inner circle.  “Whether it be a family gathering around the fireplace and sharing everyone’s ‘top 5’  highlights, to those who choose to fly solo’ and enjoy a night of solitude and silence in prayerful meditation, there are an endless array of traditions to consider.

Food For Good Luck in the New Year

There isn’t a traditional meal for New Year’s Day, yet there are foods thought to bring good luck and a happy new year. For example, bottles of champagne pop the world over on New Year’s Eve.

Good luck foods include pretzels, black-eyed peas, pickled herring, lentils, soba noodles, tamales, king cake, and a dish called hoppin’ john. Similarly, an Italian New Year’s Eve feasts can mean multiple courses served over several hours. For instance, one dish said to bring especially good luck is lentils. Shaped like a coin, lentils are symbol of prosperity.

Throwing Open Doors and Windows

Open up the windows and doors around your home to let go of the previous year and welcome in the fresh energy and vitality of a Happy New Year.

Cleaning On New Year’s Day

Why wait until spring? In the same fashion as open widows and doors, a deep clean of the home on New Year’s Day is thought by many to “sweep away” bad luck. This allows good luck to pour into their lives.

All of us at Johnson Law, P.C., we wish you a safe and Happy New Year

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: History Today; Today

Image Source: Visit Anchorage Alaska

New Year’s Day Resolutions

Resolutions are a New Year’s tradition that many enjoy. Most often, a resolution for a positive change and a happy new year. This reflective moment affords people the opportunity to think back on the past year of their life and consider what they want to change or improve in the new year. Often times resolutions are personal goals related to health, fitness, traveling, or financial freedom. Planning resolutions and following through with goals helps prepare for success in the coming year.

Food For Good Luck in the New Year

There isn’t a traditional meal for New Year’s Day, yet there are foods thought to bring good luck and a happy new year. Bottles of champagne pop the world over on New Year’s Eve. For some, it’s all about eating grapes. The Spanish tradition of “the 12 lucky grapes”- eating 12 grapes at midnight – one with each chime of the clock. brings good luck in the coming year.

An Italian New Year’s Eve feasts can mean multiple courses served over several hours. For instance, one dish said to bring especially good luck is lentils. Shaped like a coin, lentils are symbol of prosperity.

Other good luck foods include pretzels, black-eyed peas, pickled herring, lentils, soba noodles, tamales, king cake, and a dish called hoppin’ john.

Throwing Open Doors and Windows

Open up your windows and/or doors around the home to let go of the previous year and welcome in the fresh energy and vitality of a Happy New Year.

Cleaning On New Year’s Day

Why wait until spring? A deep clean of the home on New Year’s Day is thought by many to “sweep away” bad luck. This allows good luck to pour into their lives for a Happy New Year.

From all of us at Johnson Law, P.C., we wish you a safe and Happy New Year

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: History Today; Today

Image Source: Wyze

Celebrating New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is a great chance to celebrate the year gone by and the coming of a new one. However, these celebrations also come with great dangers and responsibilities. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you make your New Year’s Eve plans!

Fireworks

All fireworks, including sparklers and bottle rockets, are illegal in the Municipality of Anchorage and the use of fireworks is punishable with a fine of up to $300.00. 

If you live outside Anchorage and decide to use legal fireworks for your New Year’s Eve celebration, keep children and pets away from the area. Even sparklers, which are often used by kids, burn at temperatures of about 2000 degrees and can be incredibly dangerous. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose at the ready.

Light fireworks one at a time, then move away from them. Never attempt to re-light a firework that did not go off the first time; douse spent fireworks with plenty of water before discarding them. And of course, never point or throw fireworks at another person.

If You Are Hosting A New Year’s Eve Party

• Offer non-alcoholic drink options and have plenty of water available.
• Use differently colored cups for alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Dump unattended cups so kids and pets do not consume them.
• Provide food and snacks so guests aren’t drinking on an empty stomach.
• Provide snacks throughout the evening.
• Set up tables or eating areas that encourage guests to eat comfortably and reduce over-consuming alcohol.
• Avoid salty snacks, which can actually encourage people to drink more.
• Practice food safety by keeping cold food cold and hot foods hot.
• Do not provide alcohol to minors. Keep an eye on all drinks and supplies.
• Stock all bathrooms with hand soap and disposable towels.
• Wipe down bathroom surfaces throughout the evening to minimize the risk of spreading colds and flu.

As The Party Winds Down

• Have the numbers for reliable transportation services including local taxis, Lyft and Uber.
• Identify a trusted designated driver ready to take guests home if necessary.
• Research numbers for local hospitals and authorities and have them ready in the case of an accident.
• Provide guests a place to stay overnight if needed. Even if accommodations are less than ideal (like a blanket on the floor), they will be safe!

When Attending A Party

• Monitor your health. Do not attend if you have signs of any illness before the party.
• Eat a meal before leaving home in case you aren’t able to eat the food at the party, or if there isn’t any food at the party.
• Again, have the numbers for reliable transportation services including local taxis, Lyft and Uber. Whether for you or other guests, friends don’t let friends drive drunk.

Driving On New Year’s Eve

• Drinking and driving don’t mix. Use a designated driver.
• Leave early, the later it gets in the evening, the higher the chance of a drunk driving related accident.
• If you drive home, let someone know you are heading home, and keep them posted when you arrive home safely.
• Drive extra carefully when heading home and leave extra space between you and other cars just to be safe.
• Never drink and drive.
• If in doubt about your ability to drive, have a sober friend take you home, or take a taxi, Lyft and Uber home.

Walking On New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve is also a dangerous night for pedestrians. Not only are drivers potentially impaired, but those on foot can also ignore traffic lights or crosswalks. If you are walking on New Year’s Eve, stay on pedestrian paths and observe traffic laws. Cross at crosswalks and try to remain in well-lit areas. If you are driving, take extra care to consider those on foot.

Whether you spend New Year’s Eve solo, with a small group, or in a larger gathering, celebrate safely Alaska. Ensure you, your family and your friends fully enjoy the arrival of 2025.

From all of us at Johnson Law, P.C., we wish you a safe New Year’s Eve and a Happy New Year

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Secondary Sources: Municipality of Anchorage; American Safety Council

Image Source: LinkedIn