Pros and Cons of Staying Up to Welcome the New Year

So many traditions have been passed down from generation to generation. My husband served a mission, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Barcelona, Spain. On New Year's Eve, 12 seconds before new year's day (midnight), they try to stuff 12 grapes in their mouths, chewing and swallowing and making wishes simultaneously. Every grape that is successfully consumed is a wish come true.

On the other hand, I served a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Dallas, Texas. Everyone eats black-eyed peas; the more black-eyed peas you eat, the more money you will get throughout the year. It is said that every pea equals a dollar. I wouldn't say I like black-eyed peas, so I guess I will be poor for the rest of my life. Haha

What are some of your family's traditions as you welcome in the new year? What are the pros and cons of waiting until midnight to enjoy a fresh start?

Pros of Staying Up to Welcome the New Year

1. What is fun about going to bed on time? It is a tradition. You miss the fun and excitement of seeing a new year begin. On top of that, who can really sleep through the fireworks? 
2. It creates lasting memories. Growing up, I didn't even know New Year's Eve was a holiday. So to make up for missing out on so many New Years' Eves, my husband and I decided to have a game night one New Years' Eve. We had snacks and played many games with my brother and sister-in-law and his brother and sister-in-law. It was so much fun. I will always remember how tired all of us were. But how determined were we to stay up? 
3. Staying up may motivate you to sit down and write goals for the upcoming year. Goalsetting is one of the best ways to move somewhere in life. I am a big believer in setting goals, even if it stretches us a little further than we thought possible; something is better than nowhere. 
4. Life is worth celebrating. Without enjoying our life, it becomes just another day which leads to burnout because there's nothing to look forward to. 
5. The new year is a new beginning. To stay up and wait for a fresh start can be enlightening. You now have a chance to accomplish anything you want in 365 days. Nothing is impossible. 

Cons of Staying Up to Welcome the New Year

1. Sometimes bringing in the year means getting so drunk that you don't know what you're doing. This can lead to deaths, regrets, and, quite frankly, who knows what else because you can't remember. 
2. It is hard to start something good when you have little sleep. Most people know that if they want a good day, they begin it early and are well-rested and motivated. This is very hard when you have stayed up half the night celebrating. 
3. Even if you are not the one drinking, there are a lot of accidents on the road after New Year's eve. Bad weather conditions, bad drivers, or too much alcohol. So driving home from New Year's parties can be dangerous and life-threatening. 
4. For me, with kids staying up till midnight does not allow me to sleep in the morning to catch up. I will hear my kids get up early in the morning. With less sleep, I tend to be a little grumpy. This is not an excuse for being moody, but I know my mood does not change for the better when I only have a few hours of sleep. 
5. New Year's Eve can be a letdown. How many 16-year-old girls hope this will be the night of the first kiss? Or how many moms that want to lose weight believe that New Year's is the start of something that will change them from slightly overweight to a model overnight? New Year's Eve is just another day, with just another midnight that we have determined to make into something bigger than it is; what you make of it is how it will be. 

"Our goal is to help the world make decisions with a list of Pros and Cons. We invite all to add to our lists to help others make the most educated decision possible. We are all in this world together to help each other and learn from what others have learned from their lives journey." Written by: Sarah