The Monson New Year

For many, many years now, Matt and I (and then with Winter and, eventually, Holly) have celebrated the new year with Matt's Uncle Mike, Aunt Nancy and their kids, Lily and Drew. It began with Mike and Nancy in San Francisco when we all lived there. Then it was with Lily. Mike and Nancy moved to Modesto and then had Drew, and the tradition carried on. It's been almost 20 years since our first new year together.

Mike and Nancy separated a few years back, but the tradition has continued. We've gone each year still to the home where the kids are and rung in the new year together. Mike married Rebecca a couple years back, and now she's become part of the celebration.

When Lily and Drew were growing up, January first at midnight was party time! We would put on Times Square and count down. Everyone would toast and hug and kiss. Then we'd break out the party poppers and pots and pans and go outside. We screamed and cheered and made all kinds of noise. We danced around in circles. We would chase each other around the house with silly string.

The party has quieted down some over the years, but I hope I can carry on the excitement with my own kids as time goes on. It's always been such a joyous occasion. This year we were at Mike and Rebecca's house. Over the past few years, we haven't had Lily home with us at midnight because she's out with friends. Mike and Rebecca went to sleep at about 10:00 on December 31st this year. Holly was asleep before that.

At midnight, the roster of those of us awake at the Monson home were me, Matt, Winter, Drew and his girlfriend of about six months Amber. This was the first time we met Amber, since we hadn't seen Drew for almost six months, and we think she's awesome. The five of us had a raucous celebration at midnight, and I was so happy our new year tradition happened once again.