New Year is always believed to bring in a new future with better luck and prosperity. This is true with many people across nations and culture, speaking different languages and following different calendars. That’s why it is celebrated with more importance, enthusiasm and happiness. It is interesting to note that there are many traditions followed by different cultures since ancient times; people follow it strictly with more faith and satisfaction. Let’s take a look at some of the interesting New Year traditions.

· Exchanging greetings and wishes with people close to them is the foremost custom followed from ancient period; this is to express their love and goodwill for them. Similarly people set off fireworks, clap hands, shake hands, hug each other and make loud noise during the midnight of the New Year. Sparkling fireworks not only express the excitement of the celebrations, but traditionally people believe that fire will ward off negative energies or evil spirits.

· The heart of the New Year celebrations is the food and there are lot of customs and beliefs associated with the dishes consumed during the New Year. For example some people believe that eating anything circular in shape like a ring brings good luck; that’s why dough nuts are consumed most during their New Year celebrations. In some culture, people eat 12 grapes at midnight when the clock strikes twelve; any sour grape indicates something bad during the month that corresponds the numerical order of the grapes; for example a fourth sour grape indicates bad things for the fourth month of the year.

· Legumes are considered to be lucky and people prepare dish out of legumes for the New Year Eve dinner; also the black eyed peas bring in good fortune and so a soup of it is liked by many people.

· In some countries, few stuffs are followed as a strict tradition, like cleaning the home, throwing away old things on the street out of the window, etc; there are incidents where people throw even refrigerators out of the window making it riskier to walk on the streets!

· Taking New Year resolutions is very common for many people; popular New Year resolutions are quit smoking, clear away debts, spend more time with family, lose weight, etc

· Religiously oriented people go to temples or churches and pray at night, thanking God for good past and a better future.

New Year is a wonderful time to mingle with close people, say good-bye to the bygone and welcome a new beginning with full of good hopes. Around this time, all over the world, people are seen with happiness and excitement, planning for a great New Year Eve party, exchanging greetings and wishes, etc. When you plan to attend a New Year party, it is important how you get dressed up for the occasion. Here are some tips that would help in presenting yourself better.

Theme

· First of all, find out what is the theme and dress code for the party; because, you must not appear odd without matching with the theme of the party. Check for the dress code whether it is formal or casual or semi formal; so you can dress well accordingly. Also, make sure your accessories match well with your costumes as well as the party theme.

· If the party is going to be indoors, it is better to wear light clothes for more comfort; but remember to carry cover-up clothing like an overcoat or blazer, in case you feel cold. For outdoor parties, you can wear multiple layers of clothing to avoid the midnight chillness; you can always remove some layers in case you feel warm after a dance.

· Please avoid wearing something that you wear day-to-day; that will even bore you; instead, dress up in style and vogue that would ignite your spirits and make you feel something special.

Styles

· A sleek black colored strapless tube dress, spangled around the edges would be great choice for New Year Eve party.

· A satin finish ball gown, a scuff with rhinestones and camisole with metallic touch up would suit well for a lavish ball dance.

· Beady silk dress with stilettos heel may tend to give a sexy appeal for you. Or, you can try some black outskirts with slip dress finished with silver beads and a scuff with silver touch.

· If you are planning to wear a jean, make sure it doesn’t look torn or dirty. A pair of jeans with silver beadings or crystals around the pockets and a tube-top would go well with this; please choose a nice, trendy and elegant belt.

· A new hairstyle would make you look trendy and new looks for you. Please give importance for your facial make up like eye glitters, lip shades, etc.