“New Year's Day: Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.”
Mark Twain
The Old Year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All hail the duties and possibilities of the coming twelve months!
Dear Friends!
Only a day is left for New Year 2011 and the countdown has already begun. Festivity is about to catch the aura and places are all set to glitter on the very day.
This year is about to finish, we make number of commitments with us and sometime we get those and sometimes not. Nevertheless, this time I request you to make a commitment with you that we try to change our mindsets. The areas where we really need to change our self are that at least we will not celebrate 31st December with alcohol and noise. We will not do the honor killings and abusing our elders.
New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are laden with traditions for ringing out the old and ringing in the new. Party hats, confetti (small pieces of colored paper that people throw in the air to celebrate a wedding), champagne, resolutions and black-eyed peas are all on the list. Some people prefer to stay home and keep it casual. Nevertheless, for many, there is nothing better than being in a huge crowd of people — indoors or outdoors — celebrating and waiting for the big moment. If you are planning to go out on New Year's Eve, here are some safety tips to help you ring in the New Year safely.
Designate a Driver
Plan in advance not to drive if you will be drinking. Days before New Year's Eve, call around and find someone who prefers not to drink to be your designated driver that night. Alternatively, plan to travel by taxi. Cabs will be readily available. Some bars offer a shuttle service to those who need it, and some communities offer free bus service that night. Whatever your choice, make it and stick to it. In addition, the simple act of walking after too much alcohol consumption can be tricky, as a person could stumble into the path of a vehicle. Consider the buddy system and use caution when walking near busy roadways.
Be Alert
This tip may sound a bit paranoid, but when you are among crowds and a lot of alcohol is being consumed, it is important to constantly be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye on the way others are acting. Avoid people who seem to be out of control and could cause harm. Prevention is the key. If someone in your own group is intoxicated, be sure they do not drive or leave with someone they do not know.
Go Easy on the Alcohol
The majority of people out on New Year's Eve will be drinking. Be among the ones who drink responsibly. Pay attention to how much you consume and use moderation. Drinking too much alcohol can have lethal affects.
Stick Together
As a group, stay relatively close to one another. Nightclubs and outdoor street venues can be fast-paced and crazy. Traveling in a group serves as a safety net. For women especially, this is imperative.
Do not forget about the Pets
Pets should not be allowed to roam about on New Year's Eve because some people use fireworks that night. Before you leave the house, be sure they are indoors and safe.
Cash or Credit Cards
Although this is not a public health tip, it is nevertheless an important piece of advice. On New Year's Eve, those who celebrate in public places should exercise caution with money that evening. Alcohol tends to alter rational thinking and wallets can easily be lifted or dropped. There are criminals who plan for events like this when it is guaranteed there will be a large selection of theft targets.
When celebrating out, consider using plastic money with a limited value or “no loss” guarantee from the issuing bank. Never leave your wallet or purse unattended.
At some places, you can set up a tab with a credit card, then lock the card in your car, have the sober designated driver hold it, or place it in a money belt or body wallet. If the establishment holding the New Year's celebration accepts pre-payment over the phone for the entire evening, that is a great way to leave all money and plastic at home.
