New Year's Day

    New Year's Day in America Like many people all over the world, Americans enjoy celebrating the arrival of each new year. Almost everyone makes an occasion of New Year's Eve in order to see the old year out and welcome the new one. In New York, a favorite gatheringplace on December 31 is New York City's Times Square. Thousands of Americans and international tourists crowd this famous spot (at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue) and crane their necks to watch for "Happy New Year" to flash across the electronically controlled sign that moves around. When the moment arrives bedlam breaks forth. Bells ring, whistles blow, people cheer with their happy excitement.

    he cheerful scene goes one after another in public squares throughout the country, but not at the same moment. Because of the four time zones in the United States the New Year comes to the Central States one hour later, to the Mountain States two hours later, and finally to the Western States three hours after the Eastern States have said goodbye to another year. So by following the radio and television broadcasts everyone can enjoy the festivities in other parts of the country as well as their own.

    Some people prefer to see the old year out at a church service. Although the holiday does not have religious origin, many churches hold "Watch Night" services on New Year's Eve. Those who go to churches can solemnly renew their dedication to God for the coming year.

    The custom of visiting friends, relatives and neighbors is one of the popular activities on New Year's Day. This activity is called Open House. The custom of Open House was inaugurated by George Washington during his first term as President. On January 1, 1789, President Washington first opened the doors of his official residence to all who wished to come. An Open House is just what the name implies : the front door is left open. Inside the door there is a spirit of relaxed cordiality, and guests are free to arrive and leave when they like. Invitations may say simply, "Drop in after the game" or "Come drink a New Year's toast with us". On January 1, now, families hold "Open House" so that their friends can visit them throughout the day to express good wishes for the new year.

    Many championship football games are scheduled for New Year's Day, and there is usually an elaborate parade before each football game. Often, much of the day is spent watching these games on television.