In the United States, New Year’s Eve is reserved for gathering with friends and family to celebrate the passing of another year; hosting or attending parties, enjoying adult beverages like champagne, and sharing a kiss at midnight.

The tradition of the “countdown to midnight” began by listening to or watching the celebration in New York’s Times Square.  Many cities today have their own versions of the celebration, be it a peach dropping in Atlanta an orange being lowered in Miami, or an elevator in the famous Space Needle in Seattle.

New Year’s Day – January 1st – often begins with sleeping in, watching championship college football games and gathering friends and family together for one last large holiday meal.

In the media, the New Year often means a look at the past year, with radio, television, and magazines remembering events of the previous twelve months and creating “top-ten” lists of everything from music to clothing and popular foods!

 For many Americans, however, it signals the time to make New Year Resolutions. Most popular choices include eating right (which means more fresh fruits, vegetables and dinners in), a renewed commitment to getting in shape and saving money. Your local store can help you do all three! Check out the great prices on fresh produce and see our deli departments for some quick dinner and snack ideas to help you get your resolutions off on a good start!