to our readers:

The best aspect of the holiday season is the opportunity to relax, reflect and spend quality time with those we love and care about most. There is truly no other time of the year quite like the end and the very beginning to reminisce and look ahead with the best for ourselves and others in mind. We know we don't have to remind you this month to consider re-connecting with friends and family near and afar or to go out around town, experience, and enjoy all of the unique festivities happening around you. 'Tis the season to be jolly, glistening once again. Joy to the world ... from now through twenty ten!

-- From all of us at Améredia

spotlight on: the new year in japan
In Japan, the New Year, Oshogatsu is the most important holiday of all. It is arguably the most extensive celebration at this time and very sacred to the Japanese, it is a symbol of renewal and purification. A thorough cleaning of the house, the osoji, occurs in the days before the new year to usher in a clear, fresh beginning. The Japanese believe in putting the old year's problems behind them, banishing any evil or worries in the past and ringing in a new start with enough merriment and fanfare to start the year off on the right foot. The osoji and other rituals have spiritual and religious significance, sacred straw festoons are hung above the front door along with pine decorations, rice cakes and other foods are offered on the household altar to reap blessings. One will hear the joya no kane, new year's bells, ring in Buddhist temples throughout Japan on New Year's Eve and into Ne Year's Day. The people also visit shrines to pray, pay respect, and worship. Many food items are prepared; a special noodle soup, toshikoshi soba, is tradition in most families on New Year's Eve and signifies longevity. Most dress up in their finest clothes, often newly bought or made for the occasion.

spotlight on: the new year in france
The 31st day of December in France is called la Saint-Sylvestre. A commemorative feast occurs with family and friends which almost guarantees foie gras, oysters, champagne and the 'trou normande' - a shot of brandy or other alcohol served in the middle of the meal. The French New Year, Jour des Etrennes, translates as day of New Year's Presents. The French are particularly generous at this time of the year furnishing those around them with all sorts of gifts, pastries, trinkets, and other goodies. The New Year in France actually extends to the sixth day of January. Gifts are given again on this day; the people fully and finally say goodbye to the previous year and share a unique festive cake called la galette des rois. One of the most flamboyant parades occur in Paris, France where thousands of singers, dancers and others entertainers make their way through the streets for La Grand Parade of Chantilly on the eve finally reaching Trocadéro, under the Eiffel Tower for Le Festival des Musiques du Nouvel An' Paris on January 1.

spotlight on: the new year in brazil
The Ano Novo is one of Brazil's most widely celebrated holidays. Natives and thousands of tourists celebrate 'La Reveillon' on New Year's Eve which is like a party on the beach officially setting off the new year as well as the summer season. Families will enjoy a large meal and drinks at home then venture out for the festivities. The biggest fete occurs on the beach of Copacabana with an extraordinary show of fireworks that fill the dark sky with colorful light for almost thirty minutes. There are often live shows and other entertainment along the stretch of the beach and boardwalk. Millions of people share champagne with each other into the early morning. Quite spiritual and superstitious, Brazilians also take part in a number of interesting rituals that are believed to encourage good luck. Many wear white to symbolize peace and a fresh start. Some choose to wear colored underwear with different meanings. Yellow bears hope for gold or money while red is a wish for an exciting new love.

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“For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice.” - T.S. Eliot

multicultural snapshot
The Améredia team is itself a multicultural set. We thought we'd share a few of our own New Year's memories, thoughts, and plans as we all prepare for our celebrations.

"The first thing that comes to mind about the New Year is the 'red packet' that the married and the elders will give to children and single members of the family. A red packet usually contains money as well as wishes for good fortune in the coming year. For children, it's also a way to educate them about the notions of savings. The habit of saving starts early in the Chinese culture, which makes most prudent spenders as they grow up. After enjoying receiving packets for some 20 years, its now my turn having married recently to pass out the red packets to the family."
- Anna, Account Services

"In my family, we eat one grape each second leading up to midnight (12 grapes for the months in the next calendar year) to bring good luck. If the grape is sweet, so goes that corresponding month. However, if the grape is sour, don't expect a good month. Of course, no matter what, by the stroke of midnight ... unless you chew very fast, you've got a mouth full of grapes. We also cook a bowl of lentils and eat spoonfuls with our glass of champagne to bring wealth in the new year."
- David, Account Services

"My favorite New Year's Day tradition is the food. We have steaming hot rice cake soup in the morning. It represents being a year older… maybe wiser too. In the afternoon, we start the preparations for making the dumplings. This process starts with the ladies gathering around to make the fillings for the dumpling and it ends with the guys joining to shape the dumpling. We share stories about what happened to us during the year and we laugh; our place becomes loud and very lively."
- Jeff, Creative

bite-sized language
What did you say?
The new year is celebrated in far too many ways around the world to spotlight them all. Not surprisingly, there are many different names for the day noting hundreds of religions and languages globally. Just in case you're traveling or jet-setting to somewhere you've never been, check out the global calendar below to see what people around the world call New Year's Eve!

global calendar

Dec 31: Hogmanay (Scotland)

Dec 31: Nochevieja (Spain, Latin America)

Dec 31: Nytårsaften (Denmark)

Dec 31: Sylverterabend (Austria)

Dec 31: Capodanno (Italy)

Dec 31: Oud en Nieun (Netherlands)

Dec 31: Sint Sylvester Vooranvond (Belgium)

Dec 31:Oíche na Coda Móire or Oíche Challe (Ireland)