Top Ten Things Not to Do on New Year’s Eve.

 

Photo by Alysa Bajenaru on Unsplash

This post was written on December 29th, 2015. Since we are facing another New Year’s Eve, I thought it was worth repeating. I hope you enjoy it.

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Top Ten Things Not to Do on New Year’s Eve.

10 On New Year’s Eve, do not try to set a personal record for alcohol consumption. If you do, at best, your evening will close early. At worst, New Year’s Day will represent your personal purgatory, just begging for relief. (Getting off your knees might be the first step to redemption)

9 On New Year’s Eve, do not set resolutions you think would be great to accomplish if you were a superhero. If you do, at best, you will not last a week on your new plan. At worst, you will consider your failure at resolutions to be among one of the many failures for the year. (Now you need to be talked down off the ledge)

8 On New Year’s Eve, do not think your goodwill to humankind feeling leftover from the holidays should be demonstrated by public displays of affection for everyone you meet. If you do, at best, most will try to dodge your advances. At worst, there will be one person who will think you are the new lost love that they have been searching for their whole life. (Now you have someone stalking you for months despite the restraining order)

7 On New Year’s Eve, do not think your stomach deserves to be challenged with copious amounts of strange food. If you do, at best, your later hours will be spent in a degree of discomfort. At worst, your stomach will get even when you least expect it. (Yes, it is two in the morning, and that’s you calling trains into the ceramic microphone)

6 On New Year’s Eve, do not think your off-key singing throughout the year will suddenly get better with the addition of Champaign. If you do, at best, you will still draw the same looks you got for the rest of the year. At worst, you will begin to gather stray cats and dogs who think you are calling them for dinner while singing Auld Lang Sine. (Better find some kibble fast)

5 On New Year’s Eve, do not think your famous green monster punch will be enjoyed by everyone. If you insist everyone try it, at best, your party may end early. At worst, you may be responsible for sending some guests over the edge due to a strong allergy to Everclear and, if not an allergy, certainly a diminished capability for strong drink. (hint: green carpet spots never come up)

4 On New Year’s Eve, do not try to surprise your significant other with a mystery destination that you promise will make the best New Year’s Eve ever. If you do, at best, you may have selected a place that has some negative memories. At worst, you may spend the entire evening lost in a strange neighborhood which will not be the best destination. (It might be the most memorable as the prime reason your significant other is no longer significant and not your other)

3 On New Year’s Eve, do not get all romantic if all year you act as if romance was as welcome as the measles. If you do, at best, you will look ridiculous. At worst, you could cause a significant upset to the person you are ordinarily ambivalent about. (How was that first dose of pepper spray?)

2 On New Year’s Eve, do not think it a good idea to put that lampshade on your head. If you do, at best, some will laugh not with you but at you. At worst, the shade is an antique given to the host by a grandmother just before her demise, and now it is on the floor under your fanny after you slipped on a bottle and fell to the floor. (Oh, though you would like to know, the video on U Tube has gone viral)

1 On New Year’s Eve, do not think you must stay up past a reasonable hour to see in the New Year. If you do, at best, the next day’s activities will be a challenge. At worst, you will throw off your sleep cycle, not to mention nodding off at your mother-in-law’s New Year’s Day family gathering. (The pool of drool on the damask fabric of the antique couch will be your mark forever)

59 comments

  1. radiosarahc's avatar

    😂😂😂 happy new year John, hope it’s a good one.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you so much, Sarah. Happy New Year to you and a wish fro a good one too.

      Liked by 2 people

  2. Sorryless's avatar

    Being overly romantic never worked for me but being underly (my word) romantic never did either, so I settled just right. As 38 Special once opined, hold on loosely but don’t let go.

    I was extremely dubious about the green monster punch and then you mentioned Everclear and I knew I was right to be extremely dubious. Yikes!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Other than the band you gotta avoid Everclear.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. GP's avatar

    hahaha, I get off easy on this list. When I was a bartender, if I didn’t have to work it, I did not go out in it. Too many people trying very hard to ‘have it all’ in a very short period of time!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Great gif, GP. I spent some time as a bartender too. Had to work a Sunday afternoon shift in cowboy country. Can you say shots in the ceiling? (not whiskey either)

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Liz Gauffreau's avatar

    Ten good reasons to stay at home and go to bed on New Year’s Eve!! I shall do just that.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Me too. See you in the New Year.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Dan Antion's avatar

    New Year’s Eve is a quiet affair around our house, John. I’ll keep this handy if I get any odd ideas.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      If you get any ideas call 911.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dan Antion's avatar

        Not to worry, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. shoreacres's avatar

    I’ve experienced just a few of these, but I was very, very much younger. Some lessons, once learned, tend to stick.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      They do. I think I grew up in my fifties. Before that I was forever saying to myself the next day, “Well, at least no one got killed.”

      Liked by 1 person

  7. tokragly's avatar

    Well here we are again. On the brink of “bad decisions.” I must remind myself that my children and their children are watching grandpa. So I shall behave myself and just try to be the adult in the room -HA HA.

    I’ve printed out your list and will pin it up for the amateurs to see.

    Have a cocktail and a flute with me. Have a fun time. HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thak you, Tom. A very Happy New Year to you, Char and the family.

      Like

  8. Darlene's avatar

    Happy New Year. I will try not to dance around the house with my dogs, scaring the neighbours!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      If you do keep the curtains closed. Happy New Year, Darlene.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. T. W. Dittmer's avatar

    Good advice, John. It’s a good time to have too much fun. 😁

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Yes, way too much fun. Thanks, Tim and Happy New Year.

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Almost Iowa's avatar

    Fortunately, I made all my youthful bad decisions in the age before tattoos.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You are lucky. I was never into tattoos but did raise a bunch of sand in my day.

      Like

  11. noelleg44's avatar

    Wise suggestions, John. I can’t remember the last time we stayed up to welcome in the New Year! We do the appropriate drinking and then nod off in our bed!

    Happy New Year to you, your wife and of course, the girls!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Noelle. Happy New Year to you and Family.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Charles Yallowitz's avatar

    This list kind of makes me glad I’ll be alone tomorrow night.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. I can see that. Thanks, Charles. Happy New Year.

      Like

  13. coldhandboyack's avatar

    Honestly, officer, I said resolution not revolution.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Ha ha ha. Good one.

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Esther Chilton's avatar

    Great advice. I shall follow each of these. Happy New Year, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      You can’t go wrong. Just don’t read the list while driving. Happy New Year Esther.

      Liked by 1 person

  15. lois's avatar

    I’ll probably be in bed by 9, so Happy New Year, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Happy New Year, Lois. Yeah I may go till 9:30. Happy New Year.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Annette Rochelle Aben's avatar

    I shall heed your wisdom… Happy New Year!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Happy New Year, Annette. More fun ahead next year.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. The Coastal Crone's avatar

    Good advice. We celebrate early and quietly. And safely.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      A good way to fly. Thanks, Jo. Happy New Year.

      Like

  18. Book Club Mom's avatar

    Haha – I’ll be following this advice. No personal records except maybe how early I go to bed! Happy New Year, John 🙂

    Like

  19. petespringer's avatar
    petespringerauthor · ·

    Certainly not planning on breaking any alcohol consumption records. I’ll probably stick with the usual one cocktail or beer. For a big guy, I’ve never been able to drink a lot. Happy New Year, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Happy New Year, Pete. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Jennie's avatar

    This was so funny, now that I can laugh at a few of these from a million years ago.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      I think the rear view mirror is a good thing

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Jennie's avatar

        Definitely.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.'s avatar

    All duly noted John…. and Happy New Year and enjoy hugsx

    Liked by 1 person

  22. Tails Around the Ranch's avatar

    As always, another superb list of things to not do. I’ve come to the conclusion resolutions at New Year’s is a list of things you’ll forget in the first week. 🤣 Best wishes to you and the fur-kids for a wagnificent 2025.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      And to you, Monika.

      Liked by 1 person

  23. Marie A Bailey's avatar

    So many items on this list … been there, done that … lol. Happy New Year, John. Enjoy your time with your family!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Happy New year to you, Marie.

      Liked by 1 person

  24. Laura's avatar

    Your lists always make me laugh, John! Wishing you all the best, good health and happiness in 2025 and always!

    Like

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Thank you, Laura

      Like

  25. Resa's avatar

    😂𝔛 😂𝔛

    Liked by 1 person

  26. Ankur Mithal's avatar

    And here I was, thinking that the world keeps changing. Not much changed in the last 9 years as far as NY eve is concerned 😦

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Nope, still amateur’s night. 😁

      Like

  27. Andrew Joyce's avatar

    I take umbrage at that “lampshade” remark. That’s my best party move.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell's avatar

      Well, I think you should keep doing it then. If all your party buddies like it …why not?

      Like