Since the first of the new year only exists at this time of year by Roman mandate rather than a naturally occurring break in the lunar cycle, it's interesting to look at traditions associated with the Romans that continue to this day. Firstly, they named the first month of the year after Janus, the god of beginnings and the guardian of doors and entrances. Depicted with one face on the front of his head and one on the back, he could look backward and forward at the same time, as we do at the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31.
Celebrating, feasting and making resolutions are all a part of that process.
The first time the new year was celebrated on Jan. 1 was in Rome in 153 B.C.
However, early Christians decided this celebration thing smacked of paganism and outlawed the practice. It wasn't until 1582 that Jan. 1 was again recognized as New Year's Day in most countries. The British, and their American colonies, did not adopt the reformed calendar until 1752. Until then it was still celebrated in March in accordance with the lunar calendar.
So, why do we make New Year's resolutions, are they realistic and how can we keep them?
Some seem to leap to respond simply because they're asked, like the four Wood River Valley students who stared for a moment before blurting out, "Stay out of trouble!"
After some consideration, one amended that answer to, "Finish the Iditarod."
Or there are those who resist, such as Hailey resident Heidi Albrecht, who said, "I don't make resolutions, I just try to survive."
Others make them because it's a good time to be circumspect and perhaps reorganize their lives.
The other reason is because we want to envision ourselves as better, trimmer, richer and smarter.
To keep resolutions, experts, and people with common sense, recommend not being unrealistic or setting goals that are too specific. In other words, you want to lose weight. Great, but don't say, "I want to lose 30 pounds," as people become too easily discouraged when changes are not immediate.
Write resolutions down on paper and put them somewhere accessible as a daily reminder. Start as soon as possible, and incorporate the changes you want to make into your daily life.
Here, then, are some recommendations for a new year of health and happiness.
Exercise both mind and body. An agile mind is better equipped to take in new things. Never stop learning. An agile body hurts less and holds up better as we age.
Spend time with people you love.
Eat healthy foods. Drink lots of water. Never pick up another soda pop or cigarette as long as you live.
Get plenty of sleep
Don't buy anything really big without sleeping on it.
Don't sweat the small stuff, by losing sight of the big picture.
Be considerate.
Breathe.
