What an odd occurrence, to have a new year in the midst of a run of the latest sunrises. Doesn’t make sense. The old Yuletide of 6 January makes more sense as the first day of the new year when the sun rises a bit earlier, minute by minute, from then on. Interestingly, the new year varies according to culture and custom around the world even today. For example, the Chinese new year begins in February, the Jewish in September. In times gone by, the Egyptians celebrated in September along with the rising of the Nile. I have been busy researching this for my story series involving the mischievous mouse, Maldwyn, who is busy over on Instagram. This year sees me trying to complete some of the many stories that are half finished. It is difficult to keep up with the amount of adventures that mouse has!
I love January 1st for the new year’s day concert from Vienna and the opportunity to do nothing totally guilt free. Usually, I feel the need to achieve. I tend not to phone people out of respect for late nights, broken nights due to fireworks, and to let them enjoy a day of peace too. Tomorrow though will see me begin to catch up with people to wish them a happy new year. And to start going through my old address book.
There was a moment of joy on a walk when I spotted the first snowdrop of the year.
Karen Hedges 