New Year's Eve Service with a smile
Memories are an interesting thing!
We all have memories, good and bad. Some of these memories are vague, and others are with us as if it were yesterday when the event occurred. One thing for certain. We all have vivid memories of our childhood Christmas'. These memories run deep. When asked, or when the first Christmas tree is put up or the holiday songs begins, our memories of the traditions, the stories, the road trips, and the gifts come rushing back to us as if it was just yesterday. But I must ask. What do we remember about New Year's Eve as a kid? Did it change once we were an adult?
Many stories that I have heard revolve around the younger year’s memories of New Year's Eve. The excitement of being able to stay up to the magical hour of midnight. Sometimes creative banners were made and placed reverently over the fireplace to announce the new year. Other times kids could be found peaking around the corner at the grownups singing, dancing, laughing, and drinking as they started the kickoff of the excitement of the mysterious new year.
However, in those early years, more times than not, the excitement in the air is palpable and the unusual permission given by our parents to stay up past our bedtime is granted. Not going to bed at the obligatory 7 or 8 pm? Mind-blowing! On that momentous, special night, we could "be a grownup." As we hungrily watched the hands on the clock ticking, moving the minutes forward, the excitement mounted…7pm to 8 then 9 then 10 then 11 and then that L-O-N-G last hour that by the stroke of midnight the enthusiasm for ringing in the new year was just a dream. Another New Year started without us. We could be found curled up, sleeping on the floor, couch, or chair decked out in our PJs as the countdown came and went.
What about you? Was New Year's Eve of your youth a big event? Sweet memories? Just another day in time? Or something in between?
As for me, my memories of New Year's Eve, the early years, were nothing spectacular or noteworthy. The calendar moved forward another day. One day it is December 31st, the following is January 1st. Time changed. Period.
Yet, as we know, time doesn't stand still, nor do the memories we fondly bring forward with us. From age 18 to 22, my New Year's Eve memories changed forever. Going from a non-event in the early 17 years to a once-a-year, fairy-tale evening that only a little girl's childhood dreams are made of. As nightfall came on this distinctive night, I was surrounded by men dressed in military finery with shiny and numerous medals upon their chest, standing tall and proud. The women, the most beautiful I had ever seen, in stunning long gowns and jewelry that glistened and baubles you would only find in a museum, added to this enchanted evening. The holiday décor transformed a plain ballroom into a wonderland filled glitter, confetti, and decorations to bring out the party atmosphere. In this room, the future looked bright, the world positive, hopeful and excited about what the New Year would bring.
YOU MAY ASK, was I one of the ladies dressed in the evening finery?
Alas, no, I was not physically one of the party participants. My attire was a black skirt and shoes and a crisp white shirt. At this point, you are probably asking yourself, why would this be a great New Year's Eve memory? The answer is simple, I had the honor of being a server at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station Gala New Year's event. The 10 other servers and I were swept into a world of laughter, pride, enthusiasm, and joy. To those 400 guests, we were there to serve them, yes, but never before or since, was a server, so appreciated. The excitement surrounding us was infectious. The time we worked, from 6pm till 1am flew by. The kickoff of the new year was filled with awe and eagerness of what the future could bring. These men and women knew that life was fleeting and that each of our time here was unknown and they were keenly aware that being kind to others who sacrificed should not go unnoticed. They truly appreciated our work ethic, and sacrifice of giving up our new year's celebration opportunities. Even though our roles were different, we were in this together. They thanked us with gracious smiles, shared excitement for the future, and, yes, fantastic tips.
It has been many years since my "job" at the Naval station, but I can still "see" the finery and beauty and feel the positive energy in my mind's eye. When a memory is so intense, time cannot diminish them. The lessons learned have stayed with me, and as I celebrate this and future New Year's Eve's I try to emulate what I felt, and the honor bestowed on me so many years ago.
Memories are funny things…I hope this blog gives you the opportunity to pause and think about your start of this new year. Whether your New Year's Eve is a random night, one in which you are toasting with your loved ones, or a contemplative time thinking about the promise of a fresh start, I leave you with this Irish Blessing…
"May the best day of your past be the worst day of your future."
Happy New Year!
