New Year

With a colorful display of fireworks, we ring in the year 2007 with, hopefully, all limbs still attached to our body.

New Year’s traditions fascinate me, since there is nothing more life threatening than New Year’s Day (not because of the yearly rumors of the world ending at exactly 12 midnight) and the ceremonious lighting of manipulated explosives that could spontaneously combust right in your face.

Yes, this is what makes New Year’s extra special: putting your limbs on the line for the age-old tradition of watching pretty lights in the sky for 5 seconds.

I have never been fond of fireworks. When I was around 7-years-old, a roman candle blew up centimeters from my face, temporarily blinding me. From that moment on, I knew I had enough with pyrotechnics (in any kind or form).

It’s beyond me why people bother spending so much on something that has a lifespan of 30 seconds (more than a minute, for those really expensive and really humongous firecrackers). After a few ‘kaboom’s and a pretty light show, one’s money will be literally reduced to ashes.

With the thousands of pesos some people spend on fireworks, I’d be much better they would spend the money on something that actually lasts longer than 30 seconds.

Wouldn’t it be a more meaningful New Year if you donate to a charity or give to the poor? Come to think of it, it wouldn’t hurt one bit, unless of course you are a masochist and enjoy pain and would love to have your fingers amputated.

The thought of buying more food isn’t such a bad idea either. Instead of incinerating your money and losing your body parts, stuff yourself with mountains of food. Sure, you are worried about the holiday weight you might be gaining, but think of it this way, it’s better to gain weight than to lose an arm.

I know that this advice is pretty much useless right now, since obviously it is well past midnight. For sure, hundreds of people have bought fireworks and have lost a finger here and there.

In that case, consider this column as an advisory for next year. One cannot be too prepared for New Year’s Day (2008 would be so much better if one still had all 10 fingers in tact, right?).

With 10 fingers or without 10 fingers (or other limbs for that matter), we have a lot to be thankful for (aside of still having all body parts in tact). Apart from blowing up things, we should take time and reflect on the year that was.

Nothing is better than remembering all the mistakes, ups and downs, bloopers and funny moments you had in 2006 and wondering how your life will be this year.

Happy New Year everyone!