Another year over, and a new one just begun - almost. As 2016 breathes ever more heavily on the backs of our sweaty necks, we thought it would be useful to furnish you with all the details you need to be a fount of entertaining facts at your local party. Although there are no guarantees, unfortunately.
1. The top three places in the U.S. to visit and celebrate New Year's Eve are Las Vegas, Disney World, and New York City. Airbnb has more than 1 million reservations on New Year's Eve, 2015, including approximately 47,000 reservations in New York City alone.
2. The biggest international celebration is in Sydney, Australia. This celebration includes more than 80,000 fireworks set off over Sydney Harbour Bridge, with more than 1 million people in attendance to watch the show!
3. More than 360 million glasses of sparkling wine are consumed during the holiday season, and it's the biggest day for champagne consumption.
"Only 50% of Americans make New Year's resolutions."
4. Only 50% of Americans make New Year's resolutions, and 25% of those give up their resolutions by the second week in January. The top New Year's resolutions include losing weight, eating healthier, exercising more, quitting smoking, sticking to a budget, saving money, getting more organized, finding a better job, and being a better person.
5. Not all celebrations end happily. More vehicles are stolen on New Year's Day than any other holiday according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
6. The first New Year was celebrated 4,000 years by the ancient Babylonians.
"In Italy, people wear red underwear on New Year’s Day."
7. The Time Square New Year's Eve Ball was first dropped in 1907 after there was a fireworks ban. Back then, a 700-pound ball embellished with 25-watt bulbs made of iron and wood was dropped. Now, however, it weighs 11,875 pounds, is 12 feet in diameter and is adorned with 2,668 Waterford crystals.
8. In Italy, people wear red underwear on New Year’s Day to bring good luck all year long.
"Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashanah."
9. In Colombia, Cuba and Puerto Rico, some families stuff a large doll, which is called Mr. Old Year, with memories from the past year. They also dress him in clothes from the outgoing year. At midnight, he is set ablaze, thus burning away the bad memories.
10. Chinese New Year is celebrated the second full moon after the winter solstice.
"In ancient Rome the new year began on March 1."
11. Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashanah. Apples and honey are traditionally eaten.
12. In ancient Rome the new year began on March 1.
13. The traditional New Year’s song, “Auld Lang Syne,” means, “times gone by.”
14. The top 10 resolutions are usually to lose weight, eat more healthily, exercise more, stop smoking, stick to a budget, save money, get more organized, be more patient, find a better job and to just be a better person over all.
15. Using a baby to signify the New Year began in ancient Greece around 600 B.C.
