what was your most memorable New Year??
 

was it the one your husband proposed?? A new baby??

I went to Times Square New York when I was 18.

The best was Sydney Australia- their summer -- they 4 times -- each small harbor -- sets of fireworks for the kids and Grownups.

Fireworks from the Harbour bridge overlooking the Opera House at midnight.
Happy New Year !!!!

Mim

I still want to do Times Square! Perhaps next year if we can plan far enough ahead. Don't particularly want to stand on the street in the throngs and be trapped there for 12-14 hrs. Would rather be a block or 2 away in a bar/restaurant and pop out for the ceremony and then back to a nice comfy seat!

That would be awesome NJ! The thought of being trapped in all those crowds was never attractive to me, but your plan would be fun.

Mine was my first full year of living in Germany, way back in 1970. Moved to an apartment in the home of a special older couple who had raised twin boys during the war when they often had only potatoes to eat. They "grandparented" my precious daughter born in the Kaiserlautern municipal hospital prematurely, and helped me with all the challenges of that. I learned to shop and cook "German" as we didn't have any American privileges at first. Then I began to work for the Army at a local library part-time, and my DD was cared for by the cleaning lady of my landlady. She spoke only German, I spoke very little German, but we managed to communicate mother-to-mother.

Over the year+ that she kept my DD, my little one learned to speak German there and English at home, both as her "mother tongue". She also learned to walk at her caregiver's home, but they didn't' tell me for several weeks - until after I had seen her walking at home -- so that I wouldn't be sad. How sweet!

That year, an American military wife from New England showed me, a gal from Virginia how to make Mexican tacos in Germany.. Have been absolutely addicted to this day! I learned that Germans love babies and that shopkeepers always wanted to give her a taste of what they sold. I bought milk from a milk truck that arrived in front of the house twice a week and filled our metal milk cans. Good stuff!!

I ate entirely too many brotchen and kase taschen, drank too many cups of heiße Schokolade, and discovered fondue at a real Swiss Restaurant. I learned how to make true Cordon Bleu at the restaurant which first made it over 100 years ago. I drank beer and liked it for the first time; German Riesling wine became my preferred dinner beverage.

I loved learning about the land, the people, the history, and the castles. I lived in Germany for 7 years, but that first year was very formative in the life of a 25-year-old. :)

Jan in VA

New Years
 

The year I brought my newborn son home-Born on Dec 28

I too had a great time in Germany. We lived on the economy in Dawn and my neighbor showed me how to make rouladen and red cabbage for that New Years Eve gathering.

Most memorable was Dec 94/Jan 95. Actually spent it with someone who wanted to just be with me. We didn't go anywhere because he had phone duty but that was ok. It was just us and quiet. Been that way ever since.

2000. I so enjoyed following the New Year around the world, watching the New Year customs other countries and nationalities observe.

I'm glad you had such a wonderful experience!

Ich wuensche Ihnen und Ihrer Familie einen gesunden, guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr!

I think Jan 1,1968 was interesting as I'd had a baby boy Jan 19, 1967 and another on Dec 30., two sons born in one calendar year. Today is his 49th birthday.

Mine was the year that I had to work day shift (12 hours) with an hour commute home - got home to a seafood feast arranged/prepared by my fella - then we watched the various tv shows to ring in the New Year. I wasn't supposed to have to work New Year's Day, but someone called in sick so I had to rush out in a hurry in the morning, but it was still my favorite New Year's to date.

We went to Prague a couple years ago for NY eve. We went for dinner up the mountain on a tram. The last tram was supposed to come at 11:30 so we could come down. We went out to catch the last tram and it was all dark at the station. I think they cancelled it due to possible NY eve shenanigans. So we were all dressed up, no cabs up there, and the trails coming down were glare ice. So, we took off our shoes and came down very precariously walking in the snow on the sides of the trails. I kept thinking my feet were going to freeze and I wouldn't be able to get all the way down. But we made it down. My feet were crusted in snow and leaves. By then it was after midnight. Anyone who's been to Europe knows how crazy NY eves are there with people shooting off all kinds of fireworks on the streets. It's so much that it smells like gunpowder and it's a big smoky cloud. There doesn't seem to be a lot if safety either with the drinking going on too.

Once we were in Munich on NY eve. The fireworks going off on the streets and drinking was just as crazy.

both times we just wanted to get back to our hotels after dinner

In April of 1987 I decided it was time to quit smoking. I had promised myself if cigarettes ever got to $1.00 a pack I would quit. It was a hard year too due to three deaths in the family. My DH and I were invited to a New Year's Eve and 21st Birthday Party at the Hotel Del Coronado. I agreed to go only if we got a room and spent the night because I knew we would both be drinking. So my DH agreed. We got all dressed up, went to the event and the majority of the music was rap. I didn't know at the time what rap does to me, but I was getting more and more upset. I thought maybe it was because I wanted a cigarette (smoking and drinking seems to go well together). So I went to the gift shop and bought a pack - it was $1.80 - so I was upset that I had promised myself to never pay more than $1.00. Smoked one cigarette and still didn't relax, walked the hotel for a while, which is a wonderful place to visit. Went to the room and rested a bit, felt better, went back to the party, and it started all over again. I looked at the cigarettes in my purse, was disgusted by the music and all the drunk people, threw away the expensive pack, and once it struck midnight returned to the room. That was my very last cigarette that night. Every time since that year I get a cold I thank God for helping me quit, it was the best thing I ever did.

The year of 70/71, New Years Eve, I had invited my "friend" to a New Years Eve party at my brother's house. Because my friend had family from out of town, he chose to stay home and celebrate with them. (He still lived with his parents.) I went with friends to our favorite haunt, had a few drinks and decided to call my friend, who I really had a crush on. I called and when I asked for him, his mother said, "My husband, or my son?" They shared the same name. I said, "Oh dear God, I hope it's your son!" Talked to my friend and he took 20 minutes (usually took 35 minutes) to get to where I was. In April we were engaged, in July we were married. His mother said it would never last! It lasted 44 years until he passed from cancer September, 2015.

The year that we called our parents to tell them I was pregnant. December 31, 1976!

nice to hear about your German life, Jan in VA

I wonder how many Americans know what "living on the economy" means? It was a wonderful time for me. :) I didn't particularly care for rouladen for some reason, but did love the "rolladen" shutters on the windows -- have wanted them here for years and years!! Fun, wasn't it?!

Vielen Danke! Und sie auch!
Jan in VA

My most unusual was sometime in the late 70s. We were visiting Disney World and got stuck on the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride and spent midnight stuck on it. Everyone on the sub sand Auld Lang Syne at midnight. Memorable!

My first New Year with my the boyfriend-now husband.

He was in the hospital with the first of many DVT's in his leg. From the moment he was admitted to the moment he was discharged I never left his side. The nurse put in a cot for me to sleep on. And on New Year's eve about 20 minutes before midnight they left us go out and watch the fireworks.
I wheeled him through the maze of corridors and out to the patio and we sat, holding hands watching the magical colors above us.

I am blessed to have him each and everyday. No one has ever treated me so well, so kind and loved so much.

Jan, your story is wonderful and so happy for you that you have that amazing memory. The couple of times I've visited Germany (with a German-born 'ex' and still had family there), it was a wonderful experience. Lovely people and beautiful country. Actually was there just a few years ago as well and still as lovely as ever.

mine was about 50 years ago .4 couples went to Tulsa expo to a Conway Twitty dance It was so cold in that big building we never sat down danced every and Conway stayed on stage except for signing autographs

In 2013 my "adopted" Chinese daughter took me to China for 3 weeks. Being on The Great Wall was the
highlight of my trip, among many other special times.

1999-2000! 24 family members (my brothers, sisters , in -laws, and all our babies) stayed with my mom and dad . We had beds but were laying in the floors (camping out, is what out children called it) My dad and mom was so happy, we had a wonderful time and breakfast the next morning. Our home was filled with laughter, love and music. As it has always been. On September 11, my sweet loving daddy, left us. He taught us all many things and most of all to love and to accept love, which is just as important. Oh my what wonderful memories.

Mine was in 1963. I had just turned 17 the month before. I met my future husband on that Christmas Day. He was 23 and had just come home from his tour of duty in the army. He was in Germany for three years and was on duty when the Berlin Wall was built during the Berlin Crisis. He asked me to go to a dance at a place called Shadowland a big deal of a place on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. We had a wonderful time and shockingly my strict dad told me I could stay out until 2:00 am without my even asking. 12:00 was my curfew. Six months later we were married two weeks after I graduated from high school. My dad had to sign papers at the court house to give his permission for me to marry at 17. We have been happily married for 52 years. We agree that God gave us to each other and other than our two sons we are the best gifts we have ever been given.

Mine was in 1963. I had just turned 17 the month before. I met my future husband on that Christmas Day. He was 23 and had just come home from his tour of duty in the army. He was in Germany for three years and was on duty when the Berlin Wall was built during the Berlin Crisis. He asked me to go to a dance at a place called Shadowland a big deal of a place on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. We had a wonderful time and shockingly my strict dad told me I could stay out until 2:00 am without my even asking. 12:00 was my curfew. Six months later we were married two weeks after I graduated from high school. My dad had to sign papers at the court house to give his permission for me to marry at 17. We have been happily married for 52 years. We agree that God gave us to each other and other than our two sons we are the best gifts we have ever been given. That was also the night he told me he loved me for the first time. I told him I loved him, too. It truly was love at first sight. I posted this again because I forgot to post the last few sentences about the I love you part. We still say that to each many times a day.

JAN, what a wonderful, interesting life in Germany...thanks for sharing your experience.

The best for me was 1999 when my Grandson was born. My daughter went into labor about 7 or 8 pm. When i arrived home from dinner there was a message from her in the hospital. She was three weeks early. I got ready and drove about 120 miles and got there just a little after midnight. The roads were clear because everyone was at there place of destination at that time. When I got there she was fine because she had a epaderial and no pain but the shot slowed down the process. Me, being in accounting all my life and preparing taxes, I said you just lost a deduction of 2500 dollars by getting that shot. My grandson was born about 4 am new years day.

Isn't this just the most wonderful thread!

Jan in VA

Mine was in 1975 when I was 9 months pregnant with my Daughter. She was born January 7, 1976. She has been a joy and has given me two gorgeous grandchildren to love.

Mine was Dec 31, 1978 and Jan 1, 1979. Started dating hubby to be on Dec. 23 and refused to spend New Years Eve with his parents. At 5 am he showed up at my door telling me he never wanted to spend another New Years eve without me at his side. Asked me to marry him and I said yes. That was 37 years ago and have only spent 1 eve apart since then.