New Year, New Traditions- Who's making it to midnight?

by Kathy Sabo December 27, 2022

It was 46 B.C. when Julius Caesar declared January 1st as the start date of the calendar year. But it wasn’t until 1752 that England and its American colonies officially adopted this. I wonder how people celebrated back in 1752 compared to 46 B.C.? Is it fair to say it is different from how we celebrate New Year’s Eve in Regina Saskatchewan today? I will let historians answer this but I am happy to share how I experienced New Year’s here in Regina.

In my twenties, plans usually consisted of a combination of pre-drinks, drinks, and after-bar drinks. I would easily stay up well past midnight and think nothing of it. Starting the year off with a sleep-in to at least noon, prompting a trip to a fast-food chain to cure an angry body from the night out. I honestly have no idea what twenty-year-olds are doing these days – likely making smarter choices than my generation did (I sure hope).

At the start of my thirties, a new tradition began- my wedding anniversary with my love Angus. Getting married on New Year’s Eve was truly one of the most beautiful days of my life. Imagine fresh white snow, the RCMP chapel (which is the oldest building in Regina) filled with poinsettias, then wisped off for a reception in their national museum, not too shabby! I can still recall the magic in the air when we walked into our reception and saw everyone we love, all together in a room of twinkling lights and sparkles.

Since our wedding, the countdown on New Year’s has been low-key in comparison, but enjoyable nonetheless. Our days partying on Dewdney Avenue are done, and if we make it to midnight there is a feeling of accomplishment. Now when we go out on New Year’s we will go out for dinner, and be home likely before 10. We start the year off with our bodies in much better condition than in our twenties, that is if Angus doesn’t over eat 😉

Here are a few of my recommendations if you are going out for dinner here in the Queen City for New Year’s Eve. The first restaurant that comes to mind that never gets the credit it’s due is Memories. It is such an intimate restaurant where the food is fantastic, the service is top notch and you leave feeling like you didn’t just eat, it was an experience.

Golf’s Steak House is another top pick if you asked me. Fantastic food in a really lovely restaurant. I always go for the French onion soup to start, prime rib as my main, and I don’t know how I do it, but a crème brulee is a requirement at the end. Trust me, you want it too. Each time we have been there, it has been a great meal.

Some years we go out for dinner, and other years we stay home. Regardless of where we are, it is shared with good company, food, and wine.

In researching Mexico, I came across a few interesting traditions that happen on this special day. One tradition is eating 12 green grapes at midnight, in doing so, they will have good luck for the year. Another one is choosing red or yellow underwear for the special day. Red brings love, whereas yellow brings fortune.

Interesting how in Mexico eating grapes is a priority, while sharing a kiss is the tradition here. I love these differences. What will you be doing at the strike of 12?