RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR by Sheryl Jordan

 

New Year’s Day has a long history of traditions and celebrations worldwide. It is the day of closure of the prior year and the ringing in of the upcoming year. The earliest recorded New Year’s Day observances began over 4,000 years ago, although they were not always observed on the first of January. In about 2,000 BC, New Year’s Day was first observed in late March during the spring equinox in Ancient Mesopotamia. It was called Akitu, which marked the rebirth of nature and renewed agriculture. Akitu festivals lasted 12 days in honor of the gods through parades, feasts, and reenactments of mythological stories.

Fast-forward to 46 BC (well, maybe not so fast) when Julius Caesar created the Julian calendar. In this calendar, the year was more in sync with the solar year, making January 1 the first day of the new year to honor Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, transitions, and doorways. It was believed Janus was a deity with two faces who could see the past and the future, was the master of time, and was an intermediary between life and death. Romans celebrated with sacrifices to Janus, exchanging gifts, and feasts.

During the Middle Ages, Christianity spread through Medieval Europe, and the church opposed many pagan practices, so the church changed the traditions to Christian celebrations. For a long time, New Year’s Day was celebrated on March 25 and was repurposed as the Day of Annunciation, the day Angel Gabriel told Mary she would have the Son of God. Some regions of Europe celebrated New Year’s on Christmas Day or Easter, so the holiday was observed on significant Christian events.

In 1582, Pope Gregory XIII adopted the Gregorian calendar, reinstating January 1 as New Year’s Day. Catholic nations widely accepted this change, but Protestant and Orthodox nations did not, resulting in New Year’s Day being observed on various days for centuries.

A Time of Reflections and Resolutions

New Year’s Day is a time of reflection, renewal, and hope for many. Momentous events have occurred throughout 2024, some of which may have brought hurt, pain, sadness, joy, enlightenment, stress, laughter, or other emotions. There are “Year in Reviews” of noteworthy events that occurred over television stations and other media outlets worldwide. Reflection is also done on a personal level. I like to review what happened during the year and remember how I felt then and whether it was a good or unpleasant experience. While reflecting, I feel renewed, knowing I made it through the difficult and fun times and am here for another day. I ask myself how I can improve this year for myself, my loved ones, family, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. What can I do to be a positive light in the world in which I live?

It is also when people set goals for themselves or declare resolutions they intend to achieve. They may be goals of health and fitness, attitude changes, different outlooks on love, finances, or anything you want it to be. I have goals set for all areas of my life. We all wear different hats and have many roles, all essential aspects of our being. I find it uplifting to set goals and see how I move to achieve those goals throughout the year. Even if I do not fully accomplish a goal, it's okay.

Celebrations and Traditions

New Year's is celebrated in many ways around the world. People may bring the new year home with an intimate gathering of family and close friends. I have enjoyed this in past years, staying home watching the New Year's Eve events on television, hoping to stay awake for the countdown to midnight.

The Times Square Ball Drop in New York has been a tradition since 1907. While the orb sliding down a pole has changed with technological development, it is still one of the world's most significant New Year’s Eve events. Entertainers perform throughout the evening leading up to the countdown; then, as the ball drops, everyone counts down until the clock strikes midnight. Fireworks blast into the sky, and everyone sings the traditional New Year’s song, “Auld Lang Synge”! I have never been in person, but I would love to experience the celebration there one year.

There are also New Year’s Eve parties everywhere. Some restaurants offer late-night dinners, including champagne and party favors. Nightclubs offer party packages that include hors d'oeuvres, DJs, and more. Hotels have parties in their ballrooms, and you can purchase packages that include dinner and an overnight stay. You can also do dinner cruises on riverboats. Parades are also popular around the world.

There are traditions and superstitions surrounding the holiday. Some include eating certain foods or performing rituals for good luck, prosperity, and peace in the new year. For example, eating black-eyed peas as part of the New Year's meal is thought to bring good luck. Some cultures eat twelve grapes at midnight, believing that eating one grape per chime will bring twelve months of good luck. Cultures have unique ways of marking the transition to a new year. Every tradition carries a special meaning, from fireworks displays in Australia to lantern lighting in Thailand. Plate smashing is a tradition in Denmark. Instead of throwing away unused dishes and plates, Danes save them until the end of the year when they affectionately shatter them against the doors of all their friends and family members. This symbolizes leaving the past year and entering the new. It is a joyful and loving ritual of good luck and hope. The more broken plates in front of your doorway, the more luck and joy you will have in the new year.

This year, we will attend a community New Year’s party in my neighborhood. It’s a pleasant way to connect with friends and meet new neighbors. On New Year’s Day, we plan to prepare our meal of roasted Cornish hens, black-eyed peas with smoked ham hocks, Au Gratin potatoes, and cornbread, ending with apple pie and vanilla cake with chocolate icing. Hopefully, everything will be delicious, but the best part will be making more memories with my family.

Happy New Year to all! May you have a year filled with love, hope, prosperity, and well-being!

I would love to hear your favorite New Year’s traditions in the comments.

ROYAL INTRIGUE-PART 1 - BY: KIMBERLY R. THORN

As he stood on the foyer looking down at her entering the great hall and proceeding up the steps his anger only grew more.  How could someone do this?  And in his territory?  It was unthinkable.  No, it was treason!  But the more he thought about it, the angrier he got.  What must she think?  Her first time in his territory…soon to be hers too, and this happens.  He continued to think as he watched her proceed to her bedroom.  She was poised to try to maintain her dignity and self-control.  He could see it.  To look at her with her current demeaner the only thing giving away what she had been through was her physical appearance.  She didn’t look upset.  Her head was still held high.  It’s all about proper breeding, his mother would say.  Sounding like she was born and lived hundreds of centuries ago!  He shook his head to clear his mind of his mother.  Back to her.  The once beautiful dress she had on was all torn in many places with green grass stains on it.  It also had small sticks and leaves stuck to it in various places.  Her once beautiful long blonde hair that was pinned up is now peeking out in many different places.  It also has twigs and leaves stuck in it.  He could see her bare milky white shoulder because of a huge gash in the dress.  His mind went to something else entirely!  

“Excuse me your Majesty” interrupted his Grand Admiral Johan.

Again he snapped himself back to reality as he growled “yes, what else have you found out?”

“Well sire, I have spoken to her Army’s Grand Admiral, that was with them when it happened, but they did not get a good look at the culprit.  He said that he tried speaking to the Princess but she was too badly shaken to respond right after the attack happened.  Apparently when the assailant dropped her it knocked the wind out of her.  But that of course, she saw him up close and could describe him.  Although, she’s still understandably shaken.”

“Understandable…but I want to know who the hell did this, and fast.   We have no time to waste.  I need to KNOW something before her father or her brothers’ contact me.  I don’t know which would be worse actually.   I shudder to think what they will think of us now!  I can’t have it!  This will not suffice.  I’m counting on you!  I want to know who or what we are up against.  And I mean fast…before heads roll, or ONE in particular.” He said as he turned to look right at Johan.  Johan took a deep, hard gulp in of air but he didn’t get a chance to respond before the King continued more to himself admitting more to his own defeat, ‘I mean her dad and brothers’ entrusted her to me and I gave them my word that she would be safe here with me.’  He sighed and then spoke to Johan again, ‘I want everyone on high alert.  Two guards posted outside her door with the women guards by her side at all times.  I mean she doesn’t go to the bathroom without them.  Do I make myself clear?’”

As Johan stood at attention, “yes sire, Raoul has her army with him out scouring the woods where the tree went over and where she was taken from the Rolls Royce.  They are looking for anything that might tell us who did this vile attack on our future Queen!  The doctor is with her now and will report directly to you shortly.  Guards are with her as well.  The castle is secured.  No one will get in or out without being properly identified.”

“Good! I want them looking for anything they can find to lead us to this coward! And I demand to be updated continually on her condition and on the search for this vile person.  You are dismissed, for now, Johan.”

 

** TO BE CONTINUED**. Let me know what you think, please.

SANTA'S JOURNEY THROUGH TIME by Teresa Inge

Any kid can tell you where Santa Claus is from—the North Pole. But his historical journey is even longer and more fantastic than his annual, one-night circumnavigation of the globe.

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa, is a legendary figure who embodies the spirit of Christmas. His story is a blend of history, folklore, and popular culture, making him one of the most beloved characters during the holiday season.

Origins and Evolution

The origins of Santa Claus can be traced back to Saint Nicholas, a fourth-century Greek bishop known for his generosity and kindness. Saint Nicholas was famous for his secret gift-giving, which laid the foundation for the modern image of Santa Claus. Over the centuries, his legend evolved, incorporating elements from various cultures and traditions.

In the 19th century, the modern image of Santa Claus began to take shape. The poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas," commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas," written by Clement Clarke Moore in 1823, played a significant role in shaping the contemporary depiction of Santa. The poem described Santa as a jolly, plump figure with a white beard, dressed in a red suit trimmed with white fur, and driving a sleigh pulled by reindeer.

Washington Irving's 1809 book Knickerbocker's History of New York first portrayed a pipe-smoking Nicholas soaring over the rooftops in a flying wagon, delivering presents to good girls and boys and switches to bad ones.

Cultural Impact

Santa Claus has become a central figure in Christmas celebrations around the world. He is often depicted as a cheerful, benevolent character who brings joy and gifts to children on Christmas Eve. The tradition of Santa Claus visiting homes and leaving presents under the Christmas tree has become a cherished part of holiday festivities.

Santa's image has been popularized through various forms of media, including literature, films, and advertisements. The Coca-Cola Company's 1930s advertising campaign featuring Santa Claus in a red suit helped solidify his modern appearance and further embedded him in popular culture.

A modern Santa

Today, Santa can be tracked on Google Tracker alternating between traveling and handing out presents in cities on Christmas Eve. Numerous movies and books have been made about Santa. And television ads portray a modern Santa in the Capital One commercial with John Travolta strutting his stuff in a Santa suit to the Bee Gees ‘Staying’ Alive.’  While Target features a hunky Santa Claus depicting the jolly man as Kris K, a team member at the popular department store.

"ALWAYS WINTER, NEVER CHRISTMAS?" by Yvonne Saxon

 

"Always winter, never Christmas" is one of my favorite lines from C.S. Lewis's book The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. The line speaks volumes in just four words. Winter is a season, and yes, a very necessary one in the physical world for rest and restoration.  I believe Christmas is also a very necessary season whether it's celebrated culturally or metaphorically. Is winter or Christmas a condition of your heart?

In Lewis's story the world is gray, and bleak and cold. Winter in our world can be bleak, harsh, cold and dreary. Bareness is everywhere: brown, stubby, empty fields, leafless trees, empty parks devoid of people. Shorter grayer days and longer darker nights send us inside to huddle and isolate. Christmas calls us out.

Writing Characters You Don't Like

 I wonder if you are like me when you begin writing a new story. Because I’m such a nice person (tongue in cheek here) I want my characters to be nice too. Most of my real-life friends are nice and I tend to think of them when I’m creating a character, so my fictional characters tend to be nice also. See the problem? A story must have conflict. Without conflict there is no story.

Some writers like to create a really mean, ugly character to serve as the story’s villain. Like Crabby Appleton, “rotten to the core.” This was a cartoon character on TV a long time ago. You didn’t need to know why he was so rotten. He just was. You can sometimes find these villains-for-no-apparent-reason in mysteries, but they are not satisfying. I think they give the story a cartoonish feel.

We need to write characters that feel real and we need conflict or there is no story. Therefore, you just have to pull up your socks and develop some characters you don’t like. You need to understand why they act the way they do. You must accept that their actions and opinions are part of who they are. Why are they like this? I try to invent a childhood for my ornery or hateful characters that points to possible reasons why they are like they are. But this seldom happens in real life. We rarely figure out why a person is that way. People are much too complex to be explained by simple cause-and-effect theories.

Think of the recent presidential election. Regardless of which side you were on, did you really understand why others felt so differently from you? Were you tempted to get up on your soapbox and point out how those other folks were just wrong? Could you describe the election from someone else’s point of view? Do you understand that their point of view is really true for them?

As a writer you don’t have the option of using a soapbox. You have to dig deep within yourself and find understanding. You need to be able to write out, on paper, your offensive character’s thoughts on the conflict at hand. You don’t necessarily have to know why he feels as he does, but you do have to know that these are his real feelings. Remember, he sees the world through a different lens. Can you imagine how the world looks to him?

Does your character have any idiosyncrasies that reveal his true nature? She uses lots of air quotes? He overuses use of words like actually?  You can use these to enrich the picture and bring the conflict into sharper focus.

A lot of people subscribe to the idea that children are blank slates, and the adult is merely the result of what the world has written on the child’s mind. I’m not sure it’s that simple. But you should think about what has made your ornery character like he is, and it helps to think a bit about his childhood. You don’t have to include it in your story, but you may want to try writing it out just for yourself.

And while I’m thinking about it, give your main character some flaws and foibles as well. Perfect people are boring.

It's Almost Here! Coastal Crimes 2: Death Takes a Vacation Update by Michael Rigg

The wait's almost over. The finish line's in sight! We're in the final stages of coordinating the much-anticipated Mystery by the Sea anthology, Coastal Crimes 2: Death Takes a Vacation. We promise that you'll never look at a vacation the same way after you read the  anthology, which has fourteen short stories penned by the talented members of the Mystery by the Sea chapter of Sisters in Crime!

The authors have made their final edits. Our editor, Wildside Press, is pulling everything together. Next step is our cover reveal, which should be in January 2025. After that? Watch for news of our anthology launch party.  

THE SURPRISING POWER OF GRATITUDE by Penny Hutson

It’s November, and on the East Coast that means two things. The weather cools and the leaves turn to a beautiful red, gold, and orange. Across America we also celebrate one of my favorite holidays – Thanksgiving. Family and friends gather around the table for a wonderful meal in a meager attempt to honor the shared autumn feast between the Plymouth colonists and the Native American Wampanoag people back in 1621.

During the Thanksgiving holiday season, we often talk of being grateful or giving thanks for what we have. The word “thanks” is even in its name; but if you knew the true benefits of being grateful, you’d want to do it all year long.

In M.J Ryan’s Attitudes of Gratitude: How to Give and Receive Joy Every Day of Your Life, the author lists fifteen ways that being grateful is good for us. She calls them “the gifts of gratitude.”

While I won’t write about all fifteen, I will highlight a few that surprised or enlightened me. Of course, she included the more obvious results like feeling more joyful, kind and generous.

What I found interesting, however, was the medical evidence she cites showing that emotions such as gratitude and love strengthen and enhance our immune systems. When we harbor negative emotions like worry, anger, and hopelessness, we can reduce the number and slow down the movement of disease-fighting white cells in our bloodstreams. That’s not good.

However, the findings suggest that when we focus on being grateful, it reduces those negative emotions and instead releases endorphins into the blood stream. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers, and they stimulate the blood vessels. This leads to a relaxed heart and reduces the amount of adrenaline in our bodies which constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure. In fact, too much adrenaline in our system can also damage arteries and even the heart itself.

So, while you may have known that being grateful is good for your health, you may not have known the specifics.

Ryan says that gratitude also keeps us current because “. . .when we experience a sense of gratefulness, we are usually contemplating some present circumstance.” We stop thinking about any past failures or future worries; thus, Ryan explains, “we are brought up to date with ourselves.”  In other words, we can’t harbor opposite emotions at the same time. We can’t be both happy and unhappy in the same moment. I suppose we could flip back and forth; but to Ryan’s point, if we’re practicing and truly focusing on being grateful, we won’t be focused on what’s wrong in our lives. She recommends we practice being grateful daily. I found all this information rather insightful.

Gratitude also cures perfectionism, according to Ryan. As a self-described perfectionist myself, I am particularly excited by this prospect. First, Ryan quotes Sarah Ban Breathnach who reminds us that after creating the earth, even God declared it “very good” not “perfect.” I don’t think she’s suggesting God is less than perfect. I believe her point is that He would not expect us to be.

Ryan points out that “. . . perfectionism is born of a sense of inadequacy, of lack,” and that “. . . gratitude counteracts it by tapping us into the experience of abundance.” Again, if we’re focused on what we’ve accomplished versus what’s yet to be done, we are less likely to feel inadequate and better able to resist the urge toward perfectionism.

Another surprising gift of gratitude is that it draws people to us and helps us keep them in our lives. “When we are grateful,” says Ryan, “we exude happiness and that makes us magnets that draw people toward us.” It’s true, I believe. Don’t we all prefer to be around upbeat, happy people? Of course, we all complain occasionally, but no one likes a constant whiner or an overly negative person.

And the last one I’ll mention is how gratitude can release us from the ‘gimmes.” According to Ryan, consumer debt and personal bankruptcies are “. . . at the highest level in U.S. history.” I didn’t research the accuracy of that fact, but I do know we are a culture of consumers and credit card debt. Rarely does a week go by at my house without at least one Amazon delivery. Ryan’s suggestion is to not buy anything new, except for food, for two weeks. During that time notice what you liked about that shirt or other items you already own. Focus on what you have. Ryan claims this gift can help us get “. . . off the consuming treadmill so many of us are caught on.”

The second half of Ryan’s book, which I did not discuss, details how to cultivate and create an attitude of gratitude all year, along with daily practices that will deepen your journey into a more joyous life.

May you have a wonderful, happy, and more grateful Thanksgiving.