How many days until New Year?

Why the year starts on January 1

People have celebrated the start of a new year for thousands of years, but not always in January. Many ancient cultures marked it in spring, around the time of planting. In 46 BC, Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar and set January 1 as the first day of the year, honoring Janus, the Roman god of beginnings with two faces looking forward and back.

The Gregorian calendar, introduced in 1582 and used across most of the world today, kept January 1 as New Year's Day. In the United States it is a federal holiday, so most offices, banks, and schools are closed.

How Americans ring in the new year

The most iconic tradition is the Times Square ball drop in New York City, held since 1907 and watched by millions on TV as the final seconds tick away. Across the country, people gather for parties, fireworks, and a midnight toast, often followed by a kiss and a chorus of "Auld Lang Syne."

New Year's Day brings its own traditions: the Rose Parade in Pasadena, college football bowl games, and in the South, a plate of black-eyed peas and greens for good luck and prosperity in the year ahead.

Getting ready for a fresh start

The weeks before the new year are a great time to reflect on the past twelve months and think about what you want from the next twelve. Instead of a long list of resolutions, many people find it easier to pick one or two specific, measurable goals and plan the first small step for January 1.