Begin Again
Homes are cleaned and decluttered. Written and waiting to be burnt in the ceremonial fire are lists with words of things to be let go of, never to be revisited again. To bring in good fortune traditional foods are prepared and ready for the appropriate time. Such as the tradition from Spain to eat 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight. Eating fish because it symbolizes abundance and wealth. Eating lentils because of their coin like shape or eating round shaped fruit. Then there is the well-known southern tradition of eating Hoppin’ John, black-eyed peas (pennies), greens (dollars), and corn bread (gold).
Watchnight mass and services are held on this seventh night of Christmastide. People come together to reflect on the past, hear messages of hope and offer prayers, testimonies, confessions and resolve for the year ahead. At some houses of worship, this is a solemn event. At others, it is a fun-filled celebration full of praise and worship, friends, family and food.
At 12am night skies around the world light up with firework displays. Clocks have counted down and all kinds of items spectacularly made their precisely timed descent. Dewey Beach, DE dropped a ball resembling a skim boarder, Eaton, MD a giant crab and New York City a giant ball. Atlanta, GA dropped a giant peach and Boise, Idaho a giant potato. Raleigh, NC dropped a giant acorn, Mobile, AL a Moonpie, and St Georges, Bermuda a giant onion. Miami, FL dropped a big orange, Yarmouth, Maine a giant clam named Steamer, and Mt. Olive, NC dropped a pickle.
Habari gani? Imani! New Year’s Eve also ushers in the seventh and last day of Kwanzaa. This day represents the principal of Imani (faith). The pledge is said, “To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.” To put this pledge into practice some will take small steps, testing new directions. Others will go all out, taking big bold life changing strides towards long held goals and dreams.
New Years is the most celebrated day around the world. Each country and each culture has its own celebrations with varying customs. I have only touched upon a few. This particular day after yesterday is unlike all others. This new day carries with it our hopes, dreams and prayers for a better and brighter tomorrow. We set our intentions, resolutions, or goals with determination to better ourselves, our families, our communities, our world. We welcome this chance to begin again.
Darrel and I do not make resolutions instead we reflect and reset our intentions. These last few years have taken a toll on all of us. At times, I have struggled to cope with the anxiety. Philippians 4:4-9 really speaks to me and brings me comfort. In this New Year, that is where I will set my intention. To be guarded by the peace of God. As for Darrel, he says, “With the pandemic going on its third year we are losing love ones and friends at an alarming rate. My focus will be on those things that are important… faith, family, friends, and my health.”
Darrel and I are appreciative for each day that we are granted to share together. We will strive to take nothing for granted …not time, not people, not even our slightest comforts. While we can, we plan to live intentionally. We will enjoy where we are right now, be a blessing to others and as best we can, we will stay positive.
From the May home to yours, we wish you a Happy New Year. We pray the New Year brings God’s abundant blessings upon you and your loved ones. May the New Year bring you a life lived to the fullest, good health, a kind heart, happiness, peace, safety, prosperity, laughter and a whole lot of love.
Happy 2022 y’all
Darrel and Amanda ❤️
Fireworks Photo by Jonas Von Werne from Pexels; Thumbnail Photo by Lewis Ashton from Pexels
