The real New Year

This is just my humble opinion but over the past week I have decided that we should re-classify "New Year", to mean the first day of school rather than the current January 1st. That would make today, the day before school begins, New Year's Eve. As I began thinking about it, I kept finding more and more similarities between the two.

The build up to January 1st begins approximately two months before, and for some even earlier. The build-up to "back to school" begins the moment the famous "Staples" commercial begins..."It's the most wonderful time of the year" (note the use of a Christmas tune in their commercial...). From that moment on commercials, tv specials, radio stations all talk about the countdown to the new school year.

Rather than buying New Year's Eve decorations, we buy stacks of school supplies. Think of the time spent looking for the perfect back to school outfit (except at our school, where thankfully we don't have to think about it because of our uniform). How is that any different than hunting the stores for a pretty New Year's Eve dress? We get fresh haircuts, and new shoes so everyone looks sharp and squeaky clean for the big day.

At our house, we usually have a special supper on New Year's Eve and the night before school begins. Tonight it was nachos and cheese - other families I know go out for dinner the night before school to celebrate the beginning of a "new year".

Parents have renewed hopes for their children - this year I will make sure homework gets started earlier, or, this will be the year that my child will finish all of the mandatory reading before the last day of school. Sounds like a New Years resolution to me.

Unlike December 31st, when families often allow their children to stay up late, tonight, parents at our school will be putting their children to bed early - that however does not mean that they will fall asleep before midnight. The excitement of seeing friends is so overwhelming, that getting our children to sleep by midnight is quite an achievement.

Even calendars and daytimers have gotten on board - in stores I found it quite easy to find a calendar beginning at the start of September and ending next August - one full year. We begin new lessons, clubs and activities. These things are all based on the school year rather than Jan-Dec.

And so, while the majority of the western world considers December 31 to be the official New Year's Eve, and January 1st, the New Year, for me, it will always be these two days - the night before and the first day of school. Happy "School Year's Eve" everyone!