History To-Go: New Year Traditions

The modern New Years celebration is rooted in the 1582 adoption of the calendar we use called the Gregorian calendar. It established January 1st as the official start of the year. In the United States, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are special times to reflect on the past year and welcome the new one. Americans often celebrate on December 31st with parties, sing "Auld Lang Syne," and fireworks, a tradition inspired by customs from around the world. New York City's Times Square has hosted their ball drop countdown to midnight since 1907. It is so iconic that it began to be televised in the 1960s. On New Year's Day, people continue to celebrate by enjoying cultural good-luck foods and making resolutions or promises to improve themselves in the coming year. These American traditions are a mix of a long history of civilizations celebrating the start of a new year with festivals, hope, reflection, and fun.

January's History To-Go kit features New Year Traditions. You can come by the museum starting Tuesday, January 7, 2025, to pick up a box (limit 2 per family). Supplies are limited, so come early. Click the links below to download the box's content if you can't pick up a kit in person.

Special thanks to the Arts Council of Fayetteville for sponsoring our history to-go box! Volunteer with us!

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