New Year Traditions, Modified and Still Magical

New Year traditions are endlessly fascinating. Several years ago, I went down a rabbit hole researching how different cultures welcome the new year. I picked a few traditions that sounded fun and slightly ridiculous and decided to make them my own. Now, it has been years since I stayed up until midnight to ring in anything, so I have adjusted these New Year traditions to better suit my lifestyle.

Does modifying them still count? I have no idea. But I am having fun and increasing the number of things I do that make Matt a little nutty. Sometimes, that is exactly where my joy is found.

The one New Year tradition that never changes is black eyed peas. Yes, we have them every year. This one, though, we decided to mix things up with black eyed pea gumbo prepared while listening to the Black-Eyed Peas. I’ve Got a Feelin’ felt like the only reasonable soundtrack.

Me headed out, looking super fashionable for my New Year walk carrying a soft suitcase.

Turkey just waking up.

One of my newer New Year traditions involve carrying a suitcase around the block, a custom borrowed from another country and said to invite travel in the coming year. Since I love traveling near, far, and everywhere in between, this one is a must. While hauling my bag around the block this morning, I noticed that even the turkeys were slow to get moving. One tom was still roosting in a tree until I disturbed him. I carried a soft bag this year and am hoping that if long distance travel is on the horizon, I can reasonably substitute it for a rolling suitcase next time.

Then there are the twelve grapes. Traditionally eaten at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock, but since midnight and I are no longer on speaking terms, I eat them first thing in the morning. Twelve grapes representing good luck for each of the twelve months ahead. This modified New Year tradition feels far more realistic and just as hopeful.

And then, of course, there is the underwear. Yes, the color matters. According to this New Year tradition, different colors are believed to attract different intentions like love, prosperity, peace, health, or abundance. I will not tell you which color I chose, but my intentions are clearly set. Some traditions are best kept slightly mysterious and mildly entertaining.

Modified or not, these New Year traditions add a sense of play to the day and make the start of the year feel intentional without being exhausting. That feels like a pretty good way to begin whatever comes next.

Thanks for reading The 3rd Flamingo, a blog for art lovers, creative wanderers, and anyone who’s ever made a beautiful mess.