Is It Over Yet?

Yes and no. The holidays seem to be passing us by very quickly as usual, perhaps a bit slower for those who have just recently had a breakup or divorce. We got through Christmas, but then there’s New Year’s Eve, the one night of the year where you actually stay up past 12 midnight and spend time with your closest friends and family, and of course, hopefully the love of your life. If you’re not with the one you love, the entire night (and I speak for most people having been through it) is that you constantly wonder what he or she is doing that very minute. When New Year’s Day and a nice ripe hangover arrives, you’ll be much better off watching marathon episodes of The Honeymooners and popping Advil. It’s done and over with...or is it? You get only one month to rest and BAM -- Valentine’s Day will be creeping up before you know it. I don’t care if you spend that evening with a bunch of single women -- you’re. going. to. think. about. him/her. What a bullshit holiday designed to boost florist and restaurant sales and of course, to break hearts already broken. If you’re coupled up or married and this is the one holiday you look forward to -- your relationship is in jeopardy. You should have “Valentine’s Day” every single day if you truly love the person you are with. I remember when Madelene and I would scout out restaurants to forcefully do the ‘couple’ thing on Valentine’s Day and wait hours just to get seated and receive horrible service due to the busyness. A homemade dinner is the best thing you can do in my opinion. (Chocolates are always a plus on any day!)

Let me rewind a little bit back to the New Year’s Eve gig. I hate it. I don’t ever go out during this time for a few reasons: 1. I don’t want to drive. Even if you’re not driving, it’s the other people you have to watch out for. 2. I hate “forced drinking nights”. I usually stay sober on New Year’s Eve oddly enough. 3. Apparently, my age is catching up with me. But regardless - it’s highly overrated in my opinion. And who the hell would want to spend their New Year’s Eve in Times Square? It’s usually colder than Alaska, millions of people are swarmed into one general area, and the worst case scenario ---you’ll need a bathroom. Ever since 9/11, Every year, I have watched Times Square partying, wondering if another tragedy would take place. I know, I’m a total 'Debbie Downer' today, but these are the things I think about. It makes sense though - the one time of year where millions of people are gathered would be a prime opportunity for some whack job to ignite his suitcase bomb. “Happy New Year!” No noise makers needed. My suggestion for a great New Year’s Eve is to invite your favorite people over, make some goodies, have some cocktails and make room for sleepovers.

"An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves." ~Bill Vaughan

For more of Deb's articles, please visit: www.debrapasquella.com