People all over the world celebrate the new year. However, not all the countries celebrate in the same way, and in some countries, the new year doesn't begin on the same day every year. It can depend on the seasons, the moon or the sun.
In many countries, the new year begins on 1st January, but people start celebrating on 3lst December, New Year's Eve. In New York many people go to celebrate in Times Square. While they are waiting for the new year, they listen to music, sing the traditional songs and have fun. Just before 12 o'clock, everyone counts down from 10, 9 , 8 ... As soon as it's 12 o'clock, everyone shouts very loudly, "Happy New Year! Out with the old year and in with new!" Suddenly there are fireworks and special drinks. Sometimes people sing an old song called Auld Lang Syne.
On New Year's Day, many people make resolutions for the new year. They write down a list of things, such as "I will help out more at home, I will work harder at school or I won't spend so much time playing video games." When they have made their list, they read it to their family. friends and promise to follow their resolutions.
