Although life is filled with unpredictability, I tend to enjoy tradition, especially at the holidays. I can't explain the reason behind it, but, somehow, I feel that reliving the same special idiosyncrasies brings me comfort. Perhaps it's the predictability that offers some sort of control that is often lost in the crazy adventures of life.
Today is New Year's Day, 2012. But, if you were here with me, you'd never know that we passed from one year to the next.
Traditionally, we stay up late on New Year's Eve, watching an old movie and attempting to see a few minutes of a countdown in the final minutes of the year. We sip chocolate milkshakes, always made by Marty according to his "famous" recipe. We listen to the singing of Auld Lang Syne in the background. We call family and wish them "Happy New Year". We start off the new year at Mass, then come home and watch parades on television anxiously smelling the enticing aroma of Pork and Sauerkraut wafting from the kitchen.
But, this year, Marty decided that the traditional chocolate milkshake should be made with store brand - artificially flavored non-fat frozen yogurt, chocolate syrup and skim milk. The end result was an unusually flavored, watery concoction that tasted nothing like what I had enjoyed in the past. Marty thought they tasted great, which leads me to wonder whether or not I am actually a good cook, since he generally likes what I make for dinner. He obviously doesn't have the same culinary palate that I have.
There was no television to watch. No ringing of bells. No midnight telephone calls. No Singing.
We went to bed at 10:30 p.m. No Pork. No Sauerkraut.
Sure, we went to Mass, but today is Sunday, and we would have gone anyway.
And although all of this seems very strange, the reason behind the change, is a tiny infant, born new to the world, just three days ago. A new year in his life began on Thursday. And, being able to be here and enjoy his first days out in the world means more to me than any of the previously mentioned traditions.
Happy New Year!
Change is a GOOD thing! If you don't resist change and embrace it, you can easily let go of what were wonderful traditions from the past to find that even far-greater joy can be found in the present. That being said..., I can certainly understand your longing for the "traditional" chocolate milkshake.... That new concoction sounds awful! xoxo
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