In English-speaking countries and communities, friends, family members, and even complete strangers are greeting each other today with the phrase “Happy New Year!” 

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A very merry Christmas And a happy New Year

Captions 9-10, Bon Jovi - Happy Xmas (War Is Over)

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Of course, the celebrations began last night, which is known as New Year’s Eve. It is common for people to attend parties to “ring in the New Year” together. Shortly before midnight they engage in a countdown to the new year, often counting off the last ten seconds aloud together. Adults will toast with champagne or sparkling wine. If children are still awake, they may be given sparkling apple cider.

On New Year's Eve we checked out the rings of Saturn.

Caption 15, Jason Mraz - Tour of Studio

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One year to go, countdown to kick-off

Caption 1, FIFA U-20 World Cup New Zealand 2015 - Meet the New Zealand 2015 host cities

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By today, many people will have already made a “New Year’s resolution,” which is a promise to do or not do something in the new year. Typical new year’s resolutions relate to learning a new skill (or perhaps a new language!), something related to health and exercise, or getting rid of a bad habit. 

My New Year's resolution is to just, like, keep going at the gym.

Caption 7, Ashley Tisdale - Happy New Year!

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Further Learning
For more information, read this article, which provides some interesting facts about the history and traditions of New Year’s Eve.