New Year’s Eve Traditions: How Celebrations and Meaning Have Changed

It seems like New Year’s Eve has always been with us, and it kind of has, at least since the 1800’s, where Americans gathered and celebrated, often influenced by European traditions of partying and merrymaking. By 1907, Americans welcomed and anticipated fireworks and feasts on the eve of the new year, and the resulting New York Times Square Waterford crystal LED ball drop in Manhattan has become a mainstay that we enjoy to this day. 

By the late 19^th century, drinking champagne at the stroke of midnight across the land became a custom that has continued over the years and still endures. Alcohol free community gatherings, “First Night” events evolved and became what many cities adopted for families to commemorate the date. As for the stupendous and magnificent fireworks and noisemakers that we all enjoy, those emanated from Chinese customs and conventions. And never, ever believe that Americans started New Year’s Day resolutions though, that dates back 4,000 years to the Babylonians who wanted a fresh start and new beginnings! (From: history.com).

 When we were young adults, New Year’s Eve often felt like the pinnacle of excitement. It was a night filled with crowded parties, sparkling outfits, and the thrill of staying out late with our friends. The evening meant freedom and the feeling that something earth shattering might drop from the sky as the clock neared midnight.

I think we believed that the louder and livelier the celebration, the better the night was. We all felt it, everyone imagining memories that would last long into the new year. New Year’s Eve in those days, was about spontaneity and living big in the moment.

But as time passed, our view of New Year’s Eve shifted. Instead of chasing the busiest venue or the coolest party, comfort and other ideals began to matter much more. The notion of staying home with our family, wrapped in warmth and surrounded by those we love, became far more fulfilling than any crowded celebration ever had been. Ah, we had progressed, were more advanced in our thinking, we grew up. Here’s to the folly of youth!

Now, New Year’s Eve is often spent supping at our favorite restaurant, watching fireworks on television, or across the bay, enjoying being together, and listening to familiar chatter. Nothing compares or adds more sweetness than celebrating in the quiet, dew gathering evening, as we give thanks for our health, our blessings and being inspired by others. The night has transformed from chaos to calm, from outward celebration to inward reflection, and this shift has brought deeper meaning than we ever expected.

This year for New Years, we did what we had done so many others, we had sushi at Yamato’s, an authentic Japanese Steakhouse, Sushi and Hibachi Restaurant in Galveston, Texas. We’ve eaten sushi everywhere, and nothing compares. There was a restaurant in Lake Tahoe that came close, but no cigar. Forget about it. 

To say that we’re real fans is an understatement. From the moment that you park and enter its doors, you start salivating. For years, I thought it was the ginger, or the soy sauce, or perhaps even the Seaweed Salad or Miso Soup. Nope, it’s the whole enchilada.

I cannot begin to tell you how good the Tuna Carpaccio is or how the Rock and Roll Special melts in your mouth. They have sashimi, sushi, tempura, and teppanyaki, and cater for weddings, beach parties, birthdays, or other celebrations.

For Appetizers, the Edamame, (Soy Beans) are very popular, as is the Beef Tataki, Pan Fried Dumplings, Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura, Bang Bang Tuna, and Fried Rice. All of them are outstanding, and over the years, we’ve tried nearly all of them.

We have been going to Yamato’s for the past twenty-eight years, and never had a bad meal, or bad service; it’s known for quality and outstanding service. This family-owned and operated restaurant is a 10 out of 10. Really. Fresh Sushi and Hibachi are prepared right in front of you. For New Year’s Eve, we decided to get up close and personal, we sat at the bar, what a view!

Our favorite signature rolls are The Red Dragon, Spider Roll Special, Rock and Roll Special. Other favorite are the California Roll, Philadelphia Roll, Oyster Handroll, and the Yellowtail Handroll. For Sushi, the Tuna Tartare, Tuna, Fresh Salmon, Fresh Water Eel, and Samon Roe (Ikura). are our all-time go to standouts. We usually have a Sapporo, our favorite Japanese beer.

We ordered too much, as always, taking a large to-go box home! Several hours later, in anticipation to the countdown to midnight, we had indescribably indulgent chocolate cheesecake and a bit of champagne. What a way to ring in the New Year! It was glorious and memorable.

Not everybody likes Sushi, and in the United States, New Year’s Eve often revolves around appetizers and lavish party platters featuring veggies, fruit and cheese, cocktail shrimp, deviled eggs, wings, deli meat sandwiches, cheese balls, steak tartar, and cheese fondue. Then, there are fizzy drinks, like champagne, prosecco, Topo Chico, sparkling apple cider, and the like, symbolizing decadence and celebration. Many families enjoy party dips and lavish plates together as they gather to watch the countdown, with fabulous desserts for later.

Looking around the world, New Year’s Eve customs vary dramatically. In Spain, it is traditional to eat twelve grapes at the stroke of midnight, and Japan celebrates with soba noodles, for longevity.

New Year’s Customs in Paris, France and London, UK

In Paris, New Year’s, known as La Saint-Sylvestre, is celebrated with opulence and tradition. Many Parisians enjoy a breathtaking dinner called le Réveillon, with luxurious  dishes of champagne, seafood platters, prawns, roasted lobster in hazelnut butter, roast pheasant in cranberries, oysters, foie gras, cheeses with truffles or saffron, stunning chocolate mousse and sumptuous pastries. As midnight approaches, crowds gather along the Champs-Élysées and around the Eiffel Tower to watch brilliant fireworks.

In London, New Year’s Eve centers around spectacular fireworks launched from the London Eye and along the River Thames. Many gather in homes or pubs to share traditional foods such as Beef wellington, sausage rolls, salmon blinis, cheeses, savory pies, meatball sliders, and Scottish shortbread, Old English trifle, plum pudding, and Madeira cake. A unique British custom is singing “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight. 

Whatever your custom, honor your tradition with family and loved ones. The memories will be with you forever to cherish and claim year after year. As I’ve learned, the celebration needn’t be lavish or expensive to be dear to your heart. This is for you.

Watch for our new series, as we invite you to join us on our International Travel Trip to London and Paris as we revisit our trip there for New Year’s Eve and on into the New Year, Bon Voyage!