New Year's Eve: Staying In vs Going Out - A Personal Journey

In my late teens and early 20s, I was definitely a go-out type of person for New Year's Eve and any excuse I could come up with. However, as I've grown older, I've found myself preferring to stay in for the celebrations. This article will explore my personal journey and the reasons behind my change of heart.

Age-Old Choices

Unlike many, I am not interested in being surrounded by large groups of drunk and loud idiots. The older I get, the more I value my safety and the well-being of others. Though there were times when I was younger that I wanted to party hard, those days are long behind me. Unless there's a village party, we stay that day at our home to watch the fireworks from our third-floor window. The reasons? Too many irresponsible drivers and the potential consequences for myself and those around me.

A New Tradition

Since New Year's Eve 2019, my wife and I have started a new tradition to celebrate together. On that fateful 31st of December, we enjoy a couples special at the Melting Pot. Offerings include three fondue courses, champagne, and a salad. The lobster tails are the highlight of the dinner course. After a satisfying meal, my wife and I usually drive back home and wait for the festivities to begin.

The Family Ice Rink Experience

For those who enjoy some physical activity, we often visit an open ice rink with our children. It’s been a fun way to spend the evening. However, the rink we used to go to only offered earlier times or not at all on that day. The reasons for this include limited availability and changes in community activities.

A ‘Stay In’ Lifestyle

More recently, I've embraced a ‘stay in’ mentality. Sometimes, we host a few friends at home, and we watch the New Year being celebrated in far-off places like Australia and London. I’m content if I can stay up until 10:30 EST, which is considered a win. My work life has always ensured I can stay up late, and sometimes I even worked on New Year's Eve during the turn of the millennium to ensure things went smoothly.

'Sleep Through It' Philosophy

My personal philosophy is to 'sleep through it.' Midnight is not a time to stay up, but an opportunity to rest. I usually wake up at 5 AM, not by choice but because my body naturally wakes up at that time, even when I'm exhausted. Staying up until 1 AM only results in me getting four hours of sleep, which is not enough. If I go to bed at 10 PM, I get seven hours of sleep, which is satisfactory. Sometimes, I go to bed before 10 PM only to find myself waking up at 2 or 3 AM, thereby getting less sleep. My target wake-up time is 10 PM, and if that is not possible, I aim for 11 PM for last-minute work or a social evening.

The Consequences of Drunk Driving

Midnight is the last thing I want to do, and I prefer to get an early start the following day. New Year's Eve is a high-risk time for drunk driving. When combined with the holiday, life is a few drinks and then a sense of invincibility, the combination results in hazardous driving conditions. If I have to drive at 1 AM, even if I'm sober, I would prefer the safety of being at home or in a secure location where I can sleep over.

Days to Be Staid In

In addition to New Year's Eve, there are other days where staying in is a better choice. These include:

Fourth of July Thanksgiving Eve (Dranksgiving) Labor Day Memorial Day

These days are particularly dangerous, with the highest rates of DUIs and highway deaths. Staying in on these days can help ensure my safety and the safety of others on the road.

In conclusion, my decision to stay in for New Year's Eve has been a mix of personal safety, fatigue, and a desire to have a meaningful and relaxing celebration. While I'm not opposed to going out entirely, certain risks and personal preferences make staying in a more appealing option for me each year.