So we come to that time of year, we’ve eaten everything in sight, drank far too much, and are now complaining that we have put on too much weight. It has to happen this way, even if you try to be good, Christmas is a time for family, friends and feasting. With that in mind we also know it’s coming to that time of year where we make promises, or as they are more commonly known “resolutions”.
Although celebrations of New Year originate before the Romans, it was Julius Cesar who observed January the first as the beginning of our modern New Year. He dedicated it to the god Janus (God of gateways and new beginnings)from whom January is also named. The Roman’s would celebrate by offering sacrifices to Janus, decorating their homes with laurel branches and also, by having extravagant parties. I guess we can thank the Romans for that part. Of course not every New Year Celebration happens on January the first. The Indonesians for example, have two new year celebrations, one on January the first and another at the beginning of the Islamic new year (which varies from year to year). The Koreans have a three day celebration at the beginning of their new year. That sounds like it would take a while to get over!
New Year for me is all about good intentions, it doesn’t matter if you don’t stick to your diet, or you give up the gym on the first of February (although I might have a problem with you sacrificing the family cat). If you intend to better yourself, even if it is only for a few short weeks, it’s better than nothing.
So as we all prepare to feast and drink cocktails for the last time this holiday, bear in mind that you have a free pass, just for one night, then it’s back to the gym, back to the dieting and back to scoffing the odd naughty donut when your good intentions slip. We are of course only human after all. Happy New Year!