Fireworks galore,
and people want more.
Happiness to never end,
possible, my friend?

Always the same date,
this country uses to celebrate.
Do you want to know,
how this could be so?

239 years from its start,
but not with the same heart.
Listen for a while,
as I check history’s file.

Birthed with a God-fearing love,
as God watched down from above.
On election day,
they went to church to pray.

Happy with freedom in hand,
celebrating this new land.
Looking forward to future bright,
finally finished with every fight.

But finished we couldn’t truly be,
even though this country was free.
We were still fighting a war,
which eventually divided our core.

This country still believed in prayer,
and lived under God’s care.
This country will only survive,
by keeping God alive.

So bring your roots to God alone,
and when you’re finally home,
celebration will last for eternity,
for all the faithful- you and me.

Celebrations vary around the world,
as nationalities repeat, year to year.
Some may seem quite odd,
but people hold them very dear.

In ancient Thailand, guns are fired,
to ward and fight off demons.
You want the year to start off right,
so they have some very good reasons.

In China, they celebrate a different way,
firecrackers rout the forces of darkness.
So that the very first day of the year,
will be filled with joy and goodness.

In the early American colonies,
pistol shots rang through the air.
I suspect the sounds were meant to chase,
any evil spirits hanging around to scare.

Today, Italians let the church bells peel,
the clanging & ringing, an awesome sound.
Chasing away the spirits old,
and only keep the joy of life around.

The Swiss beat many drums,
the sound echoes, on and on.
Through the mountains & the hills,
to find the people to rest upon.

The North Americans sound sirens & party horns,
to bid the old year farewell.
In New York & many other states,
the crowds continue to swell.

Traditions on New Year’s even involve food,
a ring-shaped treat to lead to good fortune.
Not to be overdone in treats,
but come full circle in a satisfying portion.

In Dutch homes, fritters,
called Oliebollen are served.
The Irish have pastries called bannocks,
never tried, but I’m sure deserved.

Twelve grapes at midnight,
comes from beloved Spain.
In India & Pakistan,
rice promises prosperity, a powerful grain.

Apples dipped in honey,
are a Rosh Hashanah tradition.
In Swiss homes, whipped cream is richness,
each country it’s own rendition.

Drink a beverage or give a gift,
put your best foot forward & turn a new leaf.
New Year’s folklore & customs galore,
there is still much more! Good grief!

So, to New Year’s celebrations,
we now bid adieu.
Hope you enjoyed our little trip,
get ready for New Year’s- you’ve a lot to do!

Happy New Year!