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Bringing in the New Year

Tried and True Holiday Tradition Between Friends

By Jessica C.Published 2 years ago 4 min read
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The official countdown had started. The clock was ticking. Only 24 hours left. Some chose to throw parties swarming with crowds to welcome in the new year. There wasn’t anything inherently wrong with assembling gatherings to celebrate the conclusion of another year with numerous people, but it wasn’t their tradition.

Their annual New Year’s Eve ritual was quaint but cozy. There wasn’t any fancy, flashy bells and whistles, but the two long-term, best friends wouldn’t change it for anything. Their tradition started with Serena and Karissa greeting the dawn together, gazing at the sunrise as it painted the sky and snuggled in fluffy blankets. They would remain there immersed in the early morning light, enchanted as the world began to wake.

Once full with their fill of fresh air and sunlight, the pair would meander into the kitchen to fill their empty bellies. They kept things simple but satisfying, opting for their favorite: pancakes. Karissa relied on traditional butter and syrup to accompany her pancakes, but Serena always caved to her sweet tooth. Her pancakes would be piled with whipped cream, chocolate chips, sprinkles, syrup, fruit—anything she could get her hands on and struck her current fancy. The duo relished each bite, sighing once completed.

The day’s pace was leisurely; neither feeling compelled to rush, they savored each moment and took their time with each task. The friends would complete a puzzle or two while listening to their favorite songs of the past year, although most of the selections tended to come from anime. Humming and singing along, Karissa and Serena enjoyed the process of completing their task piece by piece.

The rest of the day was at their discretion, and they allowed their whims to lead the way. The two always watched favorite episodes and movies from the past year but in no particular order. Snuggled and cozy on the couch with mugs of steaming hot chocolate and their cats, Serena and Karissa enjoyed their favorites and each other’s company. The besties always ensured to make time for their favorite New Year’s themed episodes, though. The Fruits Basket New Year’s episode was one of their classic staples, having started the list years ago, but the recent reboot’s episode joined the list. March Comes in like a Lion’s episode and The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.’s episodes also filled the roster. They loved how relaxed the day was. No matter how hectic and chaotic the past year had been, Karissa and Serena always slowed down and relaxed as the year came to a close.

The pair ended up grazing on snacks throughout their watch party, so they usually didn’t end up eating any lunch. Their snacks varied year by year, but they usually included ones like Pocky (the mint flavored were the best), pretzels, crackers and cheese, kettle corn, and some candy for Serena’s sweet tooth. When the friends were ready for dinner, they might choose pasta or sandwiches, but, more often than not, they settled on pizza since they could pop it in the oven while they binged their favorites.

With their meal finished Serena and Karissa typically engrossed themselves in creating arts or crafts, chatting about favorite memories from the past year. Once satisfied in their reminiscing, they would begin to discuss plans for the upcoming year. They shared any destinations for shared trips and all goals. Serena’s, more often than not, tended to be a bit ambiguous and centered around sweets and baking the ultimate dessert. Karissa, contrastingly, was focused when determining her goals, ensuring they were purposeful with tangible results. The other would provide input and suggest ways to improve the plans and aspirations for the following year, troubleshooting for their friend.

Karissa and Serena would make themselves comfortable during the final countdown until the clock struck midnight. Serena always became absorbed in her enthusiasm, waiting with bated breath and struggling to contain her mounting excitement. She would begin to bounce in her seat as the preordained time drew near, and Karissa would watch, amused at Serena’s antics; year after year, it was always the same and never failed to be an entertaining scene.

Once the clock finally tolled for the twelfth time, Serena would leap into the air with her arsenal of party poppers, releasing the onslaught of confetti and streamers. Twirling around the room, she rejoiced for the brand-new Year.

With the surroundings suitably “festive,” she would launch herself at her buddy, exclaiming with vast enthusiasm, “Happy New Year, Karissa! Here’s to another incredible year of friendship and adventures!”

“Hmm,” Karissa hummed her agreement, “another year to cement our friendship. Here’s hoping said escapades don’t turn into misadventures as they often seem inclined to do when you’re involved. Who knows what trouble you’d get into without me around.” Karissa shook her head in light exasperation.

Serena waved it off, unconcerned in the least. “It’s not misadventure!” she declared enthusiastically. “It’s important to live with wonder, embracing a sense of adventure! Otherwise, things get too dull and monotonous. Besides,” Serena emphasized in a false whisper, “if we don’t have a set course, then there’s no problem! That means we can’t get lost and that we can’t fail!” She beamed.

Poking her friend in the forehead, Karissa conceded, “Perhaps. There’s nothing wrong with being spontaneous within reason. Just make sure you’re not so free-spirited that you waltz right of a steep cliff or something.”

“I wouldn’t do that! Besides, even if I would try to, you wouldn’t let me,” Serena announced with a giggle. “This year’s bound to be chock-full of fun and good times because we get to share it together!”

Karissa smiled softly at Serena. She was definitely a whimsical individual, but her heart was in the right place. Serena certainly kept things interesting. With another year filled with precious memories, the two besties eagerly anticipated the new year’s blessings.

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About the Creator

Jessica C.

I've always enjoyed creating, whether it be art or stories. I've enjoyed creating art from a young age and have worked in a variety of schools. I adore anime & cats. Over the summer we adopted baby Tsuki/Tsukihime, my moon princess kitten.

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