Opinion: What’s so special about a new year anyway?

The pressure to go out on New Year’s Eve stems from the undue weight many assign to the end of a year, writes Gary Martin.

New Year’s Eve fireworks at Brisbane’s South Bank last year

As the final days of the year slip away, an unspoken expectancy envelopes many of us as unceremoniously as the smell of rotting Christmas leftovers in the fridge.

It is the pressure to go out, celebrate and ring in the new year with a bang.

Not everyone wants to count down to the new year.

This New Year’s Eve, thousands of reluctant partygoers will succumb to peer pressure to put on the most sparkly outfit, leave the comfort of their homes, put up with surcharges and endure unbearable crowds in pursuit of an unforgettable night of celebration.

The morning after, many will regret that they ventured out.

The pressure to go out on New Year’s Eve or to turn the evening into some form of grand event stems from the undue weight many assign to the end of a year.

We are told by those around us that we need to turn this one night of the year into a memorable occasion, complete with fireworks, extravagant parties and high expectations, even though it really is just a transition from one day to the next.

There is even a saying that suggests how you spend New Year’s Eve will reflect how you can expect to spend the forthcoming year.

It is not meant to be taken literally but rather as a lighthearted way of suggesting that starting the year with positivity and celebration can set a good tone for the months ahead.

However, many are increasingly turning their back on societal expectations and – instead – embracing the freedom to celebrate the new year in a manner aligned with their own personal preferences. And in some cases this means no celebration at all.

Reasons why to avoid next-day regrets will resonate with most.

A night out often starts with having to face a queue as long as a traffic jam during peak times just to get into a venue.

Once inside, if you want to visit the bar or restrooms you will likely need to navigate a turbulent sea of bodies much like trying to swim against an unrelenting tide.

Then there are the New Year’s Eve conversations, which go one of two ways. Some partygoers will choose to immerse themselves in lofty expectations for the upcoming year while others will sombrely dwell on the disappointments of the past 12 months.

Engaging in either type of conversation can be a downer.

Then the process of getting home presents an even bigger challenge.

As the night progresses, there is a heightened risk of drunk drivers on the road.

And for those who act responsibility, there will be long waits for public transport, taxis or ride share platforms.

All these challenges mean you are far from a boring old soul if you choose to stay home on New Year’s Eve.

Tell your detractors you are simply making a conscious and thoughtful decision that reflects your preferences and values.

You get to decide the guest list. It might be an intimate gathering of your closest friends and family, a solo night of self-reflection or even a furry friend’s company. The point is you are in control of who you spend this special night with.

Your entertainment choices will be limitless. You can binge-watch your favourite TV series, host a movie marathon, dance like nobody’s watching or finally start that book you have been meaning to read.

And let’s face it – New Year’s Eve celebrations can be wallet-draining affairs.

Staying in allows you to save your hard-earned money for other adventures and experiences in the new year.

And while the world outside will be bustling with chaos and confetti, you can bask in the unmatched comfort of a pair of your coziest pyjamas. There is simply no need for uncomfortable formal wear or wretched high heels.

There is no compulsion to synchronise your watch to catch the new year’s countdown. You can ring in the new year at your own pace, join a virtual countdown or simply stare at the clock on your wall.

So as the clock strikes midnight this New Year’s Eve, raise your glass to your decision to spend the night on your own terms – unless you prefer to party like a kangaroo on a trampoline, a pineapple at fruit salad convention or a koala at an eucalyptus leaf buffet.

Cheers to a New Year’s Eve well spent.

Professor Gary Martin is a workplace and social affairs expert

Originally published as Opinion: What’s so special about a new year anyway?