Reflections on 2010, by Gail Earl

For the first time, I felt something different after Christmas. Every year ends with Christmas and I'm usually exhausted but not emotionally wiped out. This year I feel that abundance is dictating our everyday lives. There is just too much of everything. I'm feeling very compelled to make a clear and decisive change. I want to be conscious on a daily basis, of all the excess around me. I feel a nagging urge to be more present in an authentic life. I'm feeling a need that I'm not exactly sure of just how to fill.

I want to be more aware of the time spent on the "quest," rather than the prize. I think I need to step out of my body and my mind and look at my life, and the time that I've been given on this earth. I want to make a daily effort to step back and slow life down.I want to be more aware of the life I've been given and how I spend those days, hours and minutes.
I absolutely love my life, but at the end of this year, I feel I have been selfish with it. I want to do more.

Things That I Have Learned, by Yolanda Adele

I have learned that friendships can fill voids when family brings disappointments.

I have learned that grandchildren are God’s gift of a second chance.

I have learned from myself that change is necessary.

I have learned from the events of September eleventh 2001, that tomorrow is not a given.

I have learned from my husband that love brings comfort.

I have learned from my cat to nap when the tasks at hand are too trying.

I have learned from my homemaking that I don’t have excuses to be bored.

I have learned from my addiction to chocolate that some things are out of my control.

I have learned through my writing that I have something to say.

These are the life lessons that I hope to keep present in my mind as the New Year comes in with its new adventures and challenges.

I WISH ALL MY FRIENDS IN MEMOIRS GROUP A YEAR FULL OF NEW AND REWARDING DISCOVERIES. 

New Year Celebration in the Philippines, by Noemi S. Rabina

For a few days before the New Year lots of sidewalk vendors will be selling different kinds of fire crackers. There is a ban on them due to accidents that have resulted in the loss of lives, limbs, or properties; still many people delight in following the traditional way of greeting the New Year. With the introduction of aerial fireworks in modern times, it became an art form. They are displayed in places where the people can safely see and enjoy.

December 31 is usually not a public holiday but most people are given the day off so that they can prepare for the New Year's Eve celebration. It is a busy day for all families preparing the food for "media noche," the midnight dinner. People are rushing to buy firecrackers.

The children have a good time blowing their toy trumpets, called "torotot." They enjoy their "watusi," a kind of small firecracker that, when rubbed on a rough surface and released, crackles into a little spark work dance.

There are some beliefs and practices that are believed to bring good luck, fortune and prosperity in the New Year:

·         The noise of the firecrackers is said to drive away the evil spirits.

·         Putting coins and money in the pockets will make the next year prosperous.

·         In the same way, wearing polka dot shirts or dresses symbolizes money.

·         Opening windows and doors, and turning lights on will make all the graces come into the house as the New Year is welcomed.

·         Some people pay off their bills at the end of the year in the hope that they will be debt free in the coming year.

·         Most people go to church before midnight to thank the Lord for all His blessings.

At the strike of 12:00 midnight, the noise becomes very loud. Fire crackers rule the sky; church bells ring; old pots and pans are clanging in homes; radios are turned on full blast as happy people sing the "Auld Lang Syne."

Blowing of cars' horns and ambulance sirens will last for full one minute. The loud noises and sounds of merry making are supposed to drive the bad spirits away. Children have to jump 12 times so that they will get taller the next year. 

When the noise stops, the air is filled with people's voices. The family starts to eat the thanksgiving feast. It is also believed that when much food is on the table, there will be sufficient food the year round. 

Some can afford to have a whole roasted pig, called "lechon" on the table. That is one Filipino delicacy. There could also be ham and homemade native cakes.  Twelve round fruits of different kinds must be on the table to signify 12 months of prosperity.

These are traditions that the Pilipino people carry along where ever they may be as they welcome the New Year.