Today is the last day of 2011; a mementous occasion indeed. In lieu of fireworks to bring in the New Year I have a short clip of my favorite Christmas tree in the adjacent town which from a short distance away gives the effect of snow. Each town typically puts up some lights along their main street a couple of weeks before Christmas. Many towns will also have an official tree lighting ceremony where the public is invited. The bigger the town the more elaborate the ceremony - for eg. groups may be singing carols, hot chocolate is served, etc. New Year's Eve on the other hand is in the Big Apple. To watch the ball drop in Times Square is the thing to do. That's provided you don't suffer from claustrophobia because of the crush of people, don't mind the freezing temperatures, and get very excited by the effect of gravity. Oops, I think Eliot is there right now.
Ron and I were very amused to read on the BBC news page that Samoa and Tokelau had decided to be the first to see in 2012, rather than last, by skipping Saturday. Pity all the folk that had their birthdays on Saturday who missed out on celebrating and presents. Come to think of it, I wouldn't mind staying the same age for an additional year now that I'm no spring chicken.
May the Lord guide, sustain, encourage and bless you in the New Year, and may He refresh your delight in Him.
