I love New Year! It’s a great time to look forward to the next year as a fresh new start, a chance to take stock of last years accomplishments, tie up loose ends and set new goals.  I like to do this as actively and specifically as possible (as will described in the next post!).  It’s a time to tidy and organise before diving into work and other projects with new vigor.

A big festive party with a crowd count-down can be fun.  But equally enjoyable might be a small intimate dinner party or a quiet night in, watching a festive New Year movie (Bridget Jones is one of my favourites) and making New Years resolutions over some champagne. Another one of my favourite ways to celebrate New Year is a to pack some hot chocolate and snacks and have a romantic night out watching fireworks on a picnic blanket,

New Year falls during summer here in new Zealand, so New Year celebrations also often feature a visit to the beach. One of my favourite New Year recipies are Sand Dollar Cookies.  They are light and sandy in texture and so feel very summery! The recipe, posted by Susan S on the “Diamonds for Dessert” is based on a Chinese New Year cookie recipe. http://www.diamondsfordessert.com/2011/06/sand-dollar-cookies.html

I like to whip up a batch early in the morning while listening to Christmas music to get in the spirit for a day of New Year fun in the sun.

What season is it where you are and what local events and resources can you use to create your own new and special traditions?