In October,  I got a proposal for a Photo Workshop in Paris over New Year’s and my gosh, I wanted  to do it.  Capturing  Paris when it isn’t crowded with tourists would be so cool.  A special New Year’s dinner all organized.  Put together by a well known and excellent Street Photographer. 

It was set up for the Photographers in the group to bring spouses, a friend or companion.  

Unfortunately, I can’t attend this year and hope the photographer hosts this workshop again next year and gets the plans made earlier so I could go.  

But it made me think: Where would I love to spend New Year’s if I had the chance? 

New York City

Well, I’ve always wanted to go to Time’s Square in New York City.  I’ve watched the ball drop so many times on TV.  When I share with my husband that I’d like to go there,  he  rolls his eyes and tells me I’m crazy but I would like to do that “live” once in my life.  

Seattle

Five or six years ago we were in  Seattle for New Year’s. It was fun over the evening to watch the festivities  in Times Square and then in the middle of the country time zones before we headed out to follow the crowds to the Space Needle.  I loved that although I really don’t know how to capture fire works and don’t want to drag a tripod along.  

Traverse City, Michigan

One time we watched the Cherry drop in Traverse City, the cherry growing capital of the world while enjoying being with good friends. Low key and lovely.  It would be fun to go back. 

Another place in the world, I’d love to spend New Year’s is where one can have a pretty good chance of seeing the Northern Lights (or more formally called Aurora).  I saw them in Iceland years ago on a photography tour.  My guess is that it might be hard to see both the Northern Lights and fireworks but it would be cool.  

Northern Lights

Japan

I’d also like to be in Japan although New Year’s  isn’t like ours.  Watching fire works cascade above one of the huge and famous Buddha’s could be cool.  Kamakura comes to mind.  Or near one of the impressive temples.  

We did spend New Year’s in Japan once.  The celebration actually revolved around ringing the big temple bell 108 times to make the difference between the old and new.  The number 108 represents 108 sins that get rung out creating a fresh start.

Here’s a blog post about that experience.  I originally wrote this piece as a guest column for the Grand Rapids Press.  

Another New Year to Celebrate

British Virgin Islands

And then I think….wow….wouldn’t it be fun to be on a sailboat someplace warm. BVI’s—my favorite sailing destination.  Watching fireworks splash onto inviting Caribbean waters while lounging on the deck of a boat, gently rocking too and fro.  Sounds like a marvelous alternative to snowy, cold Michigan.  

At Home in Michigan

But I love New Year’s in Michigan.  At home.  Gathering friends around a table.  Most recent tradition is Raclette—a very slow way to eat dinner as each person cooks his or her small bites on the Raclette grill in the center of the table.  Grilling Raclette cheese is a big part of it.   Cooking takes a while. 

The eventing isn’t splashy or loud.  Maybe even going to bed before the magic moment.  

So many possibilities.  

Please share your most memorable New Year’s or where you’ d like to spend New Year’s in the comment section.