A TOAST To the NEW YEAR

What do you do on New Year's Eve? I admit I used to look forward to bringing in the New Year with wild abandon. That included being part of large parties, eating and drinking with friends and watching (on television) the 12-foot 11,875 pound Waterford crystal ball drop in New York City's Times Square followed by fireworks and more fun. Did you know that this tradition started in 1907 and is still one of the largest celebrations in the world?! However, now I enjoy keeping it casual, simple and shared with friends. I am always glad to have another year behind me as I look with cautious optimism anticipating the New Year. One of the most common traditions among all countries that celebrate New Year's Eve is a toast. It is a time of reflection and a chance to celebrate what the future may bring. Here are a few toasts that you might consider when getting together with family and friends this holiday. • I'm a little bit older, a little bit wiser, a little bit rounder, but still none the wiser. ~ Robert Paul. • In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, but never in want. ~ Traditional Irish toast • The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt • Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right. ~ Oprah Winfrey • Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson • Here's to the bright New Year and a fond farewell to the old; Here's to the things that are yet to come and to the memories that we hold. ~ Unknown • Let us resolve to do the best we can with what we've got. ~ William Feather • May your home always be too small to hold all your friends. ~ Irish toast • Here's to being single, drinking doubles and seeing triple. ~ Irish toast • May your troubles be less and your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door. ~ Traditional Irish toast • It wouldn't be New Year's if I didn't have regrets. ~ William Thomas • As you slide down the banisters of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way. ~ Anonymous • You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose. ~ Dr. Suess • Your Merry Christmas may depend on what others do for you. But your Happy New Year depends on what you do for others. ~ Unknown • Cheers to you, cheers to me. Have a Happy New Year's eve! ~ Anonymous • On this New Year, be someone you yourself can admire. ~ Unknown • Eat, drink and be merry for tomorrow ye diet. ~ Unknown • Here's wishing you more happiness than all my words can tell, not just alone for New Year's Eve but for all the year as well. ~ Unknown FOOT TRAFFIC'S NEW YEAR TOAST May you have a giving heart--be kind and never mean. As you step into the future, may all your socks be clean.