by Elissa Habinsky, M.A., M.S.
Tonight is New Year’s Eve, and with it comes many hopes for 2016. It also is a time when people feel the need to plan an extravagant night out. Several times last week, I was asked “What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?” so I can understand the pressure that some may feel with respect to figuring out their New Year’s Eve plans. For me, it has never been an especially significant event. As such, I often spend it at home or at a close friend’s apartment. However, for others it takes on a life of its own. Individuals spend exorbitant amounts of money for 4-course dinners that would on a normal night cost them half the price. Others purchase tickets or bracelets for all-inclusive parties where both food and drinks are plentiful. Personally, I think however you choose to spend your New Year’s Eve is great. Yet, somehow New Year’s Eve has become a time when people believe that “they need to plan an epic night out.” And since so many people discuss their New Year’s Eve plans around the water cooler, not having such plans can result in one having beliefs of inferiority.
The emotion that I have observed in others as they discuss their New Year’s Eve plans is anxiety. Their anxiety stems from worrying that others may judge their plans as mediocre. To this I would say, What if someone thinks your plans are unexceptional? Even if they do, and subsequently form an opinion about you, who cares? Your New Year’s Eve plans do not define you as a person.
Furthermore, New Year’s Eve is not a time to worry about having to design an impressive evening. Instead, it can be a time of reflection, a time to look forward or just a time to have fun. Spend it with friends or family or whomever you choose, but don’t spend it with anxiety.
To everyone reading this blog, I wish you a happy and healthy 2016!
