Happy New Year Foundations

Foundations for a

Happy New Year

Some people put a lot of trust in the saying, starting off on the right foot.  When applied to celebrating the arrival of a new year, who do you most want to share it with? Probably the most important people in your life, the ones you can you count on the most. Isn’t it comforting to have them by your side for important times?  

For some, family is the most important people in their life. Their presence and support are highly valued. Others count on fun to be the hallmark of the new year. Friends, dear friends make the party guest list. And so, one way of determining the foundation or base values of energetic people who stay up to midnight to welcome the new year is by noting who they choose to be with on special occasions and why. Common to both situations above is the most important foundation of all––your loved ones.

In my novel, Baggage burdens. in preparing for and hosting the New Year’s party loved ones are family, but who in the Kreshky really most values family: Jill? Joseph? Amber? Eve?

 “Can Eve stay overnight on New Year’s Eve?” Fred Wicksberg ’s tone is apologetic, as if his daughter has pressured him into phoning. “You do have a spare bedroom?”

Eve is Daniel's girl friend.

Jill greets the request positively. After she hangs up, she wonders if Daniel or Joseph knew of Eve’s interest in coming for New Year’s Eve. 

December 29, Eve phones Jill to ask if she can come over early for lunch on the thirty-first. She explains that she wants to get to know Jill better. 

Surprised, Jill agrees. She wonders what brought on Eve’s sudden interest.

When Joseph returns from the vendors with a bottle of wine to welcome the new year, they all sit down for supper. After dessert, Eve volunteers to clean the table and put the dishes in the dishwasher. Amber’s quick agreement clues Jill in. Eve has prearranged Amber’s support. Jill guesses Eve’s plan—She wants me to like her. 

Jill begins to wonder about the seriousness of Daniel and Eve’s relationship.

Daniel and Joseph turn the sofa to face the TV. Amber, with Eve’s help, drags some old oak office chairs from the wall so they all can sit near the screen. Jill brings wine glasses and the bottle of wine, which Joseph purchased. “For the toast,” explains Jill.

The old year marches into history. “Happy new year!” cheers with the hugs and kisses greet the new year. Joseph pours the wine and proclaims the toast. “May this year be even better than the last year. To the new year.” The fireworks on the screen draw their attention. Within an hour, all Jill’s goodies disappear. Good night wishes mark the end of the party.

“So, do you think last year’s New Year’s Eve toast came true?” asks Eve as she looks at Jill and then Amber. Eve is helping Amber and Jill prepare the New Year’s Eve treat trays—a vegetable tray, a fruit tray, and a meat, cheese, and cracker tray. 

“It’s been a good year,” says Jill.

Amber agrees. 

Looking at the bottle of wine, Eve says, “Same as last year, I see. A good tradition.” She sets the bottle down. “I think this year was the best ever. I doubt next year can beat it.” She proudly extends her left hand, wiggling her ring finger. “Today Daniel asked me to marry him.” She bounces up and down like a rubber ball. Jill catches her hand to get a better look at the ring.

After they finish admiring the small diamond ring and congratulating Daniel and Eve, Amber asks, “Why now?” She looks at Daniel for an explanation.           

“Exactly two years ago, Eve let me kiss her. She made it a very special day for me, so I wanted to do the same for her this year.” Daniel wraps his arm around Eve’s waist.

Haiku capsule:

Greeting the new year

Special time for special people

Look who counts the most

Next Blog: Passions