From all the way back in September, because that's when I celebrate New Year's! Here's a bit about why, how and to what benefit I celebrate three months before everyone else.
WHY
It first started as part of my spiritual practice when I was way too engrossed in that aspect of life - a spiritual perspective dominated every situation and conversation. Even though I have a more balanced approach now, I don't regret this time in my life because it taught me so much about myself and the cycles of my life. One thing I noticed is that around April I always find myself feeling lost and unmotivated, but in September I always feel motivated by a new set of knowledge and goals. Every September I was stepping back and assessing the path my life was on and if it required any adjustments (or even total 180s sometimes). This timeline was also heavily validated by a lot of spiritual communities.
So I began celebrating on the Spring Equinox. I often did this alone for the sole purpose that all New Year's Eve plans can be stressful for people because we need to rely on other people to help us have plans, feel loved and feel like we're having fun. I really don't enjoy trying to reach personal goals or have personal emotions with the disruption of others, which I think it fine when it's something important like self love or growth, so on this event decided not to share that personal experience. As time has gone on I only come to love my night of self-love every September even more.
HOW
Years on I no longer celebrate it on a set day. I can't expect the world to halt all responsibilities and schedules because I've decided to have my own personal public holiday, so I've had to be flexible. This is something else that I love about having my own NYE - I can work with my own needs and practice being intuitive rather than regimented. This year I chose a random Saturday that was coming up - the 11th. I always do a little research on the date I chose to see what else is happening around the world that day. It turns out 11th September is NYE in a few countries, most famously Ethiopia.
I normally do whatever during the day and leave the night for alone time. There's never too much pressure about any specific rituals or traditions. My goal is to simply feel what I'd like to feel in the upcoming year, and to allow as much introversion and self acceptance as I can. Sometimes I will do a spiritual ritual. Two years ago I did a cleansing "spell" for PTSD, solidifying to myself that emotional and mental healing was my goal for the year (which I achieved through hard work - I've reached a secure attachment style, I'm not scared to be part of the world, and my self-esteem has sky rocketed again). But mostly I do a Tarot or Oracle reading, some relaxing self-care, and watch a movie that makes me feel content (I love film and TV and have no shame about finding satisfaction in something so "boring").
THE BENEFITS
The most apparent benefit is that I have pretty much no emotion tied to the real NYE. I don't feel pressure to attend a huge party, see anyone in particular, or even have a plan until the day of. The way I see it, I've already processed and mourned 2022 and have started on 2023, I'm just partying because I love my friends.
Another benefit is making sure I stay connected to my relationship with myself. When I spend that night alone I really, truly listen to myself. Am I proud of where I've been? Do I feel eagerness when I think of where I'm going? Where do I think I can't go, and why? Are you still fulfilled? At pretty much any point in time I've been able to say yes to that final question. There's no doubt in my mind that grounding, introverted self-care time like this ritual helps me feel fulfilled.
Whenever, wherever and however you celebrate New Year's Eve, I hope you feel content and fulfilled bringing in the new year 💕