Celebrating New Year's & Making New Year's Resolutions
- Learn English with NETOL
- Jan 4
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 12
Celebrating New Year's & Making New Year's Resolutions
When is New Year’s Day Celebrated?
The New Year is celebrated on January 1st. It marks the beginning of a new calendar year. People all around the world look forward to this day because it signifies a fresh start and new beginnings. The New Year is celebrated to welcome the new year with joy and hope. It is a time to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the coming year. People celebrate to bring good luck and happiness into their lives.
The History of New Year’s
The history of the New Year holiday dates back to ancient times. The Babylonians were among the first to celebrate it over 4,000 years ago. They marked the new year with a festival called Akitu, which celebrated the rebirth of the world.
Over time, different cultures adopted their own traditions. Today, January 1st is recognized as the start of the year in most countries, thanks to the Gregorian calendar.
Who Celebrates New Year’s?
People from all over the world celebrate New Year’s. It is a universal holiday that brings together families and friends. Everyone, regardless of age or background, joins in the festivities to welcome the new year.
Many countries celebrate New Year, including the United States, Canada, Australia, China, and Brazil. Each country has its own unique traditions:
Canada: Watching fireworks, attending parties, and making resolutions.
Spain: Eating 12 grapes at midnight for good luck.
Japan: Ringing bells 108 times to cleanse sins.
Brazil: Wearing white for peace and jumping over seven waves for good fortune.
Popular New Year’s Eve Activities
*Before reading about popular New Year's Eve activities, look at each picture from above, and talk about what you see.
Spend Time With Family
Many prefer a quiet evening with loved ones.
Example: “We stayed home and played games together.”
Attend Parties
Many celebrate at home or in clubs with music and dancing.
Example: “I joined a New Year’s Eve party with my friends.”
Eat Special Foods
Different cultures have lucky foods for the New Year.
Example: “In Spain, we ate 12 grapes at midnight for good luck.”
Go Out To Eat At A Restaurant
People enjoy making reservations and going out to eat with their family. Example: “We went out to a restaurant and ate the most delicious meal on New Year's Eve.”
Toast With Drinks
People raise glasses to celebrate the new year.
Example: “We toasted with sparkling juice at midnight.”
Send Messages
People send greetings to family and friends.
Example: “I sent Happy New Year messages to my relatives.”
Count Down To Midnight
Everyone counts down the last seconds of the year together.
Example: “We shouted ‘Happy New Year!’ at midnight.”
Make New Year’s Resolutions
People write goals for the new year.
Example: “I promised to exercise more and read one book every month.”
What Are New Year’s Resolutions?
Every year, many people make New Year’s Resolutions. These are promises to themselves to improve their lives. People make resolutions because a new year feels like a fresh start. It is a chance to change habits and set new goals.
Top 12 New Year’s Resolutions
Exercise More
Lose Weight
Get Organized
Learn A New Skill Or Hobby
Live Life To The Fullest
Save Money
Quit Smoking
Spend More Time With Family & Friends
Travel More
Read More
Limit Screen Time Or Social Media Use
Drink more water
New Year's Resolution #1
Exercise More
Many people choose this goal to feel healthier and have more energy. Exercise can also reduce stress and help you sleep. Try small steps, like walking 20–30 minutes three times a week. This goal is popular because it is easy to start and you can see results fast.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to go to the gym three times a week.
New Year's Resolution #2
Lose Weight
People often want to lose weight to improve their health or feel better about themselves. This goal is common because food and activity affect daily life. A good plan mixes healthy eating with regular activity and small, realistic steps.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to lose 5 kilograms in 3 months.
New Year's Resolution #3
Get Organized
Being organized saves time and reduces worry. People want to find things quickly and feel less stressed. Start with one area, like a desk or a closet. Small changes make a big difference.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to organize my closet this month.
New Year's Resolution #4
Learn A New Skill Or Hobby
Learning something new is exciting. It can help with work, meet new people, or make life more fun. People choose this goal to grow and try new experiences. Daily practice, even 10–15 minutes, helps a lot.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to learn to play the guitar by practicing 30 minutes daily.
New Year's Resolution #5
Live Life To The Fullest
Living life to the fullest means trying new things and enjoying time with others. People pick this goal to feel happier and more connected. It can be simple: say yes to a new walk, or visit a local event once a month.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to try one new activity every month.
New Year's Resolution #6
Save Money
Saving money gives people security and less worry about the future. Many choose this goal after holiday spending. A simple budget and small monthly savings make this goal easy and useful.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to save $50 each month.
New Year's Resolution #7
Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking improves health quickly and lowers long-term risks. This goal is hard but very rewarding. Support from friends, health services, or nicotine replacement can help. People choose this for better breathing and more money saved.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to reduce smoking by half in the first month.
New Year's Resolution #8
Spend More Time With Family & Friends
Strong relationships make life richer. People feel more supported and less lonely when they spend time with loved ones. This goal can be small: a weekly call, a shared meal, or a short visit.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to have dinner with my family every Sunday.
New Year's Resolution #9
Travel More
Travelling more helps people learn about new places and relax. Even short trips near home can feel like a break. People choose this goal to discover new cultures and make memories.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to plan a trip to a new city this summer.
New Year's Resolution #10
Read More
Reading improves language skills and concentration. Many people want to read for learning or for pleasure. Start with short articles or a book for 15–30 minutes each day.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to read one book every month.
New Year's Resolution #11
Limit Screen Time Or Social Media Use
Too much time on phones and apps can cause stress and sleep problems. Reducing screen time gives more time for hobbies, exercise, or talking with others. People pick this goal to feel calmer and more focused.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to limit my social media use to 30 minutes per day.
New Year's Resolution #12
Drink More Water
Drinking more water helps the body, skin, and energy levels. People often forget to drink enough during the day. Carry a water bottle and drink regularly. This small change can improve health quickly.
New Year's Resolution Example:
I am going to drink 8 glasses of water every day.
To achieve New Year's resolutions, people often use SMART Goals. SMART Goals help people make clear and realistic plans. They are useful because they make goals easier to reach.
What are SMART Goals?
SMART goals are a method for setting clear and achievable objectives. Each letter in "S.M.A.R.T." stands for a different part of the goal-setting process. Here are some examples and explanations for each area:
Specific: Clear and detailed.
Measurable: Easy to track progress.
Attainable: Realistic and achievable.
Relevant: Important and meaningful.
Timely: Has a deadline.
Specific
A specific goal is clear and detailed.
It answers the questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why?
Examples:
"I want to read one book about personal finance by the end of the month."
"I will walk for 30 minutes every day."
Measurable
A measurable goal has criteria for tracking progress.
It answers the question: How will I know when it is accomplished?
Examples:
"I will save $200 by the end of the month."
"I will lose 5 kilograms in 3 months."
Achievable
An achievable goal is realistic and attainable.
It answers the question: Is this goal possible for me to reach?
Examples:
"I will learn 10 new English words each week."
"I will exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week."
Relevant
A relevant goal matters to you and aligns with other goals.
It answers the question: Why is this goal important?
Examples:
"I will register for an educational course so I can apply for a better job."
"I will learn basic Spanish to communicate better during my trip to Spain."
Timely
A timely goal is also called a time-bound goal. A timely goal has a deadline.
It answers the question: When will I achieve this goal?
Examples:
"I will lose weight by June of this year."
"I will complete my online course by December 31st."
Using SMART Goals helps people succeed because they make plans clear and manageable.
Concluding Thoughts About New Year's
Making New Year’s Resolutions and using SMART Goals can help you improve your life. By setting clear and realistic goals, you can make positive changes and achieve what you want. Remember, a new year is a great time to start fresh and work towards your goals. Happy New Year!
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Written by: Nicole WT
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