New Year’s Eve has become widely popularized in the United States through the past century, giving people a chance to “restart” their life. With trends such as creating New Year resolutions and endless partying, New Year’s Day is a celebration that brings happiness and joy to all. However, are these sources of immense joy really positive, or are they solely an action of escapism from the harsh reality of incomplete goals and unfulfilled expectations from the past year?

 Firstly, many in America use the holiday as a chance to make “resolutions” – promises to their future selves such as getting fit or reading more books. However, these resolutions are not as effective as they seem. They’re inherently wasteful and prevent people from taking action in their day-to-day lives to better themselves by pushing off changes that should be done throughout the year. 

By ignoring the rest of 11 months throughout the year and solely cramming all goals until the beginning of next year is a dangerous cycle with no benefits. With the mentality of “there’s always a new start” and “I’ll definitely do it this year”, nothing but pure imagination and projection towards the future will remain, leaving one with regrets and lack of improvement in actuality. 

While yes, New Year’s celebrations still help some people get started on their paths, however, seeing the emptied gym and libraries and half-filled planner prove it otherwise. 

If someone wants to lose weight, it makes little sense for them to wait for many months, and put it as the goal of the new year, when they could start now and see results faster in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, based on a survey conducted by uabmedicine.org, researchers found that less than 8% of U.S adults actually stick to their resolutions each year, while the rest gradually drift away from their original goals ultimately, proving the lack of effectiveness in people’s resolutions. 

Nevertheless, the purpose of New Year’s Day has become more and more degraded in the U.S. Generally, the process goes like this: families and groups of friends wait at socializing places such as home and clubs waiting for a countdown with a maximum of one minute. Once the countdown hits zero second, a moment of adrenaline rushes through one’s body followed by fireworks and cheering. Soon later, the after effect hits, bringing everyone back to reality.  However, with this meaning in mind, New Year’s seems to be reduced to just a brief moment of euphoric feeling that is soon diminished. Celebrating something with this very little meaning in American culture only keeps people away from their goals and long term happiness.

Not only that, the price people pay to feel this annual “adrenaline rush” is also unimaginable. Based on data from CNBC, U.S adults spend about an average of $228.10 on New Year’s Day for food and entertainment with prices that are through the roof. As people look back at their draining wallets and credit card payment, this New Year “adrenaline rush” seems to be far from the best idea of a good time. 

Instead of celebrating a holiday filled with pointless activities that provide people with temporary joy and excitement, it is more important for one to focus on garnering happiness and satisfaction throughout the year with truly self-empowering activities and commitment towards actual action-worthy goals. In the end,  New Year’s Day is nothing but one usual day out of the 365 days, and labeling it as a day with special power of “new beginning” will only put you further from the success and dreams you want to achieve in the future.