Winter Garden Magazine January 2015 | Page 25

ringing in the new year In Denmark, dishes and mugs are smashed in and around the front doorways of the houses of friends and neighbors. Another tradition with Danes is to climb on top of chairs and literally “jump” into the New Year to bring good luck. In the Netherlands, Christmas trees are burned in bonfires on the streets as a symbol of purging the old and welcoming the new. Hungarians typically burn an effigy known as “Jack Straw,” which is a straw scarecrow of sorts, symbolizing the evil and bad deeds that took place the year before. Once “Jack” is burnt to ashes, the people can start a fresh year with a clean slate. The practice of making New Year’s resolutions is said to have begun with the Babylonians as early as 2600 B.C., and people all over the world have been breaking them ever since. The early Christians believed the first day of the New Year should be spent reflecting on past mistakes and resolving to improve oneself in the coming annum. Learn more about Resolutions, along with a few helpful guidelines on how to make some realistic and attainable goals right here in Winter Garden, further in this issue in a piece submitted by Winter Garden resident, movie historian, and writer, Michelle L. Curtis. From all of us at the magazine and all our family and friends – to all of you, our readers and fellow residents of the West Orange area – best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2015. Whatever your traditions may be, please celebrate with a sense of respect: for the blessings of the past year, the tidings you are to receive in the coming year, and for your