As we enter the year 2022, the memories from years before haunting us with flashbacks and the feeling of deja vu. Every year we strive to change, evolve, or grow in some way, shape, or form. We look at what is changeable: our appearance, mindset, how we speak, walk, and who we hang out with. 

Every year we make a promise to ourselves about doing something different for the new year. We make resolutions to alter our perspective, our diet, and our routines. Resolutions are like blueprints for our life. As the new year begins we make these changes to follow through for the next twelve months. 

Many of us have traditions that bring together our families on New Year’s Eve. Helen Fuentes, a junior at UACHS includes how this holiday is special to her and her family when it comes to being together and appreciating each other.

“We usually stuff our faces with twelve grapes making a wish on each, trying to finish in under seconds,” said Fuentes. 

This tradition has a Spanish origin, originally from Spain. It is called, las doce uvas de la suerte (“The Twelve Lucky Grapes.”) The twelve grapes are to ensure luck for the next twelve months. Sometimes all you need is that one little moment that makes the night so much more memorable, that split second of happiness that gives us hope, hopeful for a “Happy New Year.” 

“My New Year was okay, My expectations were a little high, but at least I was able to spend it with my family and chill for the rest of the day,” said Fuentes. 

Cherishing the time spent and appreciating the family around us, some of us hugging them with our vaccinated arms. The high expectations are typical since we have been mini celebrating and keeping our holidays small and safe. 

 “I spent New Years having a little party with my family,” said Fuentes. 

Sometimes all you really need is just “a little party with your family” to start the year off right and with good intentions, surrounded by the ones you love.