The most significant day of the holidays is over but it seems it’s not over yet till the year is over.  Goodbye to the inevitable stress of the pre-holiday preparations. Another preparation is about to begin.  For most Christians at this time of year,  a week after week celebration is a custom and tradition never to be missed.  Although the way we celebrate them has changed in the course of time, the seasons of festivities have never been destitute despite economic hindrances.

It was a quiet and simple celebration for hubby and me.  In fact, it was quiet everywhere.  I used to hear firecrackers blasting somewhere but not this time.  People must have been saving all the blasts for the New Year.  I don’t buy firecrackers myself but I love to watch fireworks display spreading high above the ground.  But I can wait till the clock strikes 12 in the New Year.

Hubby and I will be saying hello to 2009 in a city known as The City of Lights.  It will be the first time we celebrate New Year outside Sweden, but it’s not our first time to visit this city.  We spent our second wedding anniversary there a few years ago and in a different season of the year.  It would be exciting to be in the place again with all the fireworks display over us.  We’ll be off to fly in three days and yet I haven’t filled our luggage with the things we need.  It’s just a three day-trip so we won’t be needing much.

So long, Christmas!  Long-live the New Year!  As Christmas is for family and gift-givings, New Year is for…..help!  New Year’s resolutions?