Pissed off with paying over the odds for drinks in pubs packed with morons who seem to think Jan 1 will be any different to the 365 days that preceded it, I long ago gave up on going out on NYE.
So a nice meal and bottle of wine with the missus followed by some snuggling up on the sofa to watch Series 3 of the late John Singleton’s rather spiffing crack cocaine drama, Snowfall, followed by bed.
Given that that one bottle of wine will probably stretch to two, may not even make it to the magical moment when everything is supposed to change for the better but inevitably won’t.
retropath2 says
I share your loath for enforced jollity in enclosed spaces: I make a point of being in bed by 9 and to rise early for a New Years dawn. An early walk while all abed is far more uplifting.
The one decent NYE out I recall was at Brum’s long demolished Breedon Bar, 1984, where the Steve Gibbons Band brought the new year in with gusto. The worst? Edinburgh in 2008, a hideous prison pen of drunks hoovering up pints of expensively priced cheap and weak lager. Can’t even remember who were playing but we saw in the new year in the taxi on the way back to Leith. Vile.
Vincent says
I lived in Edinburgh for 9 years, and Glasgow for 6. Hogmanay is a joyless alcofest unless you celebrate with a family who do not think getting blootered is the way to have a good time. The pubs and streets are horrible. Much the same as Amateurs Night, anywhere.
Vulpes Vulpes says
We’re lucky – there’s only the one pub in the village and these days although it’s open and trading strongly – which is great for most of the year – it’s also nowhere near as good as the one in the next village. Result! This means that far more selfish pissheads go to the other one for a beery, noisy late finishing night of forced yet fruitless optimism. To top this off, the other pub has hardly any near neighbours, whereas our pub is slap in the centre of the village and is surrounded by residential homes. Trebles all round!
For all that, we’ll be staying at home, eating a good supper and turning in well ahead of the witching hour.
The thing we loathe most about New Year’s Eve is the selfish letting off of fireworks at midnight. Some utter tossers in the village are almost bound to wake everyone and their dogs up at the appointed hour and frighten the horses when they demonstrate their casual disregard for their fellow villagers by letting off explosive devices and shrieking at each other. I wish they would all f*** the f*** off and die when they do that.
Vulpes Vulpes says
Sure enough, hoisted awake at 12:00:01 by fuckwit explosions a hundred feet above us. Ten solid minutes of wasted CO2 emissions and sod anybody else selfishness. Our little Jack Russell girl shaking and whimpering, trying to scratch a hole in the floor beneath our bed to escape it all. Another ten minutes trying to calm her down before she finally felt able to curl up in her bed once more, still vibrating with anxiety. Happy New Year you assholes, I hope you die before this time next year.
slotbadger says
Same here, seeing in the new year with a panicking dachshund while pissed up oafs pollute the sky
Moose the Mooche says
Ten minutes? Fireworks started round here the moment the sun went down. Midnight was merely the peak. The dogs next door were going berserk, poor sods.
fentonsteve says
Mrs F and I stayed up watching a fillum last night, and I was about to turn into a pumpkin by the time I switched off the lights. I’ll probably be snoring on the sofa by 9pm tonight.
We live next to a park, and will doubtless be awoken by, as Foxy says, “explosive devices and shrieking”.
deramdaze says
“Summer of Soul” – the best new thing in 2021 by a country mile, but I do regret all those opportunities of seeing it more times at the cinema.
Usually a firework display by the harbour, so not seeing in the New Year watching the TV – which is a good thing. I’m not going in any pubs anyway, especially not on New Year’s Eve.
hubert rawlinson says
Two memorable ones
In Prater Park in Vienna, bottle of champagne to hand. No enforced joviality or over pissed pissheads.
This had been preceded by engaging in Bleigiessen
A pastime at Silvester parties is to play with molten metal
You hold a lump of lead over a candle on a specially-designed spoon and wait until the metal melts. You pour the molten mass quickly into a bowl of water, where the lead then hardens.
The shape the lead takes in the water allegedly predicts your future, which is the whole point of the exercise. So, for example, a crown shape suggests financial success.
English even has a word for this form of divination: molybdomancy. Although lead isn’t used these days of course.
And watching Freddie Frinton in Dinner For One.
The other was at home, having gone to bed early we awoke just before midnight saw that it had snowed so we went out to enjoy the experience. One of the neighbours was out with his young son so an impromptu snowball fight ensued.
Tonight probably a glass or several of wine possibly finished off with a whisky.
Tomorrow The New Year’s Day concert from Vienna.
Moose the Mooche says
No mention of Jools Holland’s Hootenanny? After all, some of us might have been there when it was recorded back in April.
I can’t wait to hear what the hilarious and multi-talented Rowland Rivron is predicting for ’22.
Nick L says
I know this may offend some on here but how is Hootenany, this glorified advert for his big band, still allowed on TV? It’s tedious celeb interviews and boring musoness have been a complete turn off in our house for years now.
hubert rawlinson says
How can you not enjoy tonight’s show?
Jools Holland welcomes in the new year with Ed Sheeran, Gregory Porter, Lulu, Joy Crookes, Rag’n’Bone Man, Yola, Vic Reeves, Ruby Turner and the Pipes and Drums of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards.
Who hoo.😉
Moose the Mooche says
If Vic’s doing I Remember Punk Rock I might actually tune in.
Black Type says
There is a great poptastic alternative this year – the Years & Years show with Kylie and Pet Shop Boys among others.
Nick L says
I’d go for that every single time. Hopefully there’s a Holland and boogie bloody woogie exclusion zone round it.
Moose the Mooche says
But for the origin of the expression I might have been tempted to go for boogie buggerin’ woogie.
Diddley Farquar says
I think of Hootenanny with much affection since it was our tradition to spend NYE with friends and view said show with jovial disdain in ironic fashion after having eaten dinner and drunk many fine wines. It’s been two years since we got to the UK. The plan was to travel there for this NYE but that wasn’t to be. We miss Jools and his tired old chummy format.
Moose the Mooche says
I think I have a Greensleeves 12″ by Chummy Format….
Sewer Robot says
Well, I’ll be taping it to see Yola and Joy Crookes and can always whizz through the rest. (I also taped both eps of TOTP).
Mind, I’m already totes jazzed for the NY as, during today’s trip to the park I saw a three legged dog for the first time in years..
Lemonhope says
We live within sight of a pub, but have only crossed the threshold four times in 27 years and this NYE will be no different. Luckily we have a shared static right at the top of Cumbria near the Solway Firth. It’s a very quiet site in the middle of nowhere, the only ‘attraction’ being a large tarn, so it’s perfect for ‘getting away from it all’. I’m hopeful that it will be a firework free zone and our dogs can enjoy the evening as well. Other family members have the caravan opposite, our friends have one in the posh section and various other friends are joining us for the merriment. Tomorrow morning will be a bracing walk along the beach, where the dogs can be let off the leash as it will be deserted. HNY everyone.
Chrisf says
It’ll just be the wife and I in tonight (kids out at various friends houses) and so it will be a simple dinner (probably stuffed pasta) followed by a film of some sort.
Will ring in the new year with a glass of whisky (I have a new bottle of Talisker 25yr old) and a mince pie (they were reduced to clear at M&S today).
Tomorrow will be .cooking a nice piece of beef tenderloin with roasties, Yorkshire puds and tenderstem broccoli.
Vulpes Vulpes says
What time shall we come round?
*eyes that Talisker*
fitterstoke says
Oohh, Talisker…don’t mind if I do…
Jaygee says
Is that the “Three-legged-dog” Tallisker Sewer Robot mentioned further up the page?
I’m on my way!
Mike_H says
Partial to Talisker.
I’m drinking Highland Park 12 y.o. currently.
Gatz says
I’ve always preferred new Year to Christmas (being Scottish may influence this), largely because it’s all over and done with in a few hours, but haven’t felt the need to have a big night out for Hogmanay for some years. Tonight it will be me and The Light with a bottle of prosecco and a panettone we were given for Christmas, watching the latest Bond. We’ll stay up for the bells but probably be in bed by ten past.
simon22367 says
Plans to break with the tradition of sitting on the balcony watching the legal and illegal fireworks, and going to see a bunch of bands at the Enmore Theatre, have been scuppered by a spot of Covid in the house, so we’re all in isolation. Back to tradition it is.
Twang says
The bit is going to a party at his girlfriend’s and we are staying in – cook nice meal together, vino etc and bubbly for midnight.
I like NYE, I know nothing will be different tomorrow but it is a nice idea that it might. And I’m looking forward to seeing the back of 2021!
“Death to 2021” on Netflix was excellent though parts of this year defie parody.
Twang says
Bit? Boy!
Bingo Little says
I refuse to call it “New Year’s Eve”, on the basis that only a total f***ing c**t would anticipate there being anything “new” or good about the impending annum.
I decided a long time ago that the human race deserves only pain and agony, with a special place in hell reserved for those misbegotten a*sefl*ps who attempt to delude others into believing that there is something “fun” about socialising with others.
I will be spending That Night Preceding More Of The Same Horrors (as I wittily christened it a few years back, to the delight of her indoors) the same way I and any other halfway sensible person will always spend it: at home, locked in the garden shed writing strongly worded letters to the Council regarding the behaviour of others, pausing occasionally to pet Lee Child, my pet stoat, who I have trained to bite children. Also drinking; love a snifter, don’t want anyone to think I’m a nonce.
To properly demonstrate my contempt for the event (which I’m sure is American at heart), I will be going to bed at 5pm, although I will, as usual, set an alarm for 11.50pm, thereby enabling me to rise, climb to the top of my spire and hiss at the world.
From that lofty vantage point (which, I might add, was erected in full compliance with all local planning laws and in which I have stored enough creosote to last me a decade) I should also be able to espy where the locals are setting off heavy duty ordinance (or “fireworks”, as the great unwashed dimly insist on referring to them), thereby enabling me to begin planning the angry letter writing campaign which I intend to put into practice in 202Sh1t.
I will, of course, be up at 3am to feed and walk Lee Child in the nearby woods, where I will probably do some power-crying before pulling myself together noting once more that the universe is cold, empty place full of people who only want to hurt me, and quietly rooting for the progress of our Lord Omicron. Then I’ll go home and watch a (high quality) BBC drama on the tellybox and stroke my vinlys.
Merry New Year to one and all!
Moose the Mooche says
Thatsh a shmart mouf you got, shunshine!
David Kendal says
The Reverend Little pops into the local pub just as the regulars are leaving.
“Going so soon? Come on everybody, I’ve organised a do in the village hall. There’ll be plenty of fun and dancing – maybe not that dreary old seventies stuff you all like- instead I’ve got the new album, or is it vinyl by Abba, and then lively Karaoke, singing along to new favourites like Oasis. You’re not all that old. I mean look at me, how old do you think I am.”
(Meant kindly) 59?
“Well, no, 43 actually.” He reddens. ”Anyway, I’ll see you there.” The reverend limps slightly due to a stiff knee and regrets he has organised a five-a-side for tomorrow. Still, he feels young for his age. Has to remember to check out the new Turner Swift album – it’s supposed to be the new thing. You must keep up.
Bingo Little says
Oh, David – what a delight! One is always pleased as punch to meet a true fan. Just say the word and I’ll hand over my height, inside leg measurement and turn-ons to help pad out The File. For now, a signed headshot is in the post 😘
Mike_H says
Normally I shun NYE celebrations like the good sensible citizen I am, but this year I’m heading out to see 2022 in at the pub in Colindale just to show them some support, as 2021’s been a pretty disastrous year for them businesswise. Arrive about 10pm is the plan, 2 or 3 pints and chat with the natives. Home to bed after the witching hour.
Not expecting any miracles in ’22. Hoping to have a good birthday bash (the one that I’d planned on for March ’21) in March, if we are all spared.
thecheshirecat says
New Year’s Eve is usually a good reason for a dance, but no one is risking such a superspreader. I’ve still got some nice cheese to finish off, which I’ll do with a similarly leftover half bottle of red. I’m on shift in the morning, so I’ll put my sensible head on and turn in around 9. Tomorrow I am driving ‘the parliamentary’ so will be facilitating some trainspotters celebrating the New Year by riding up and down between Stockport and Stalybridge. Whatever floats your boat.
Moose the Mooche says
“New Year’s Eve is usually a good reason for a dance, but no one is risking such a superspreader” – well, you don’t have to do the splits….
Sewer Robot says
Yeah, and “super”?
We’ll be the judge of that..
johnw says
I like fireworks. I know they’re a massive waste of money but I don’t care. Even I draw the line at letting them off at midnight when many of us are fast asleep. Before 2000, it was fairly rare for people to have fireworks on NYE but it seems like this is the millennium bug many people caught! In all other respects, I’m fine with people staying up late and drinking too much because it makes NY day a wonderful time to be out early. Normally we head to London for sunrise and walk the (nearly) deserted streets. If you want to see what it’s like, just look at the photo diaries from last March! The strange thing is that I really like London when it’s heaving with people too.
Guiri says
I’m looking forward to mine. Due to knackered back and resultant sciatica I’ve not been further than the doctor, chemist or physio for 2 months. But today will brave the 15 minute taxi ride across Madrid to see the other half (slightly dreading the five flights of stairs at the other end though!)
Due to quantity of painkillers being taken it’ll be alcohol free and rather quiet and for me at least, mostly horizontal (and not in the fnarr fnarr sense…)But it’ll just be flipping ace to be outside of these four walls for once. And also not have to cook. I’m promised salmon. Which is nice.
dai says
As usual will hit the nearest pub at opening time (11am) and spend the next 13 hours pouring pint after pint down me until 12:01am Jan 1 2022 when such behaviour is outlawed.
* No, will stay home and be tucked up in bed by 10.30 probably
spider-mans arch enemy says
We go out on New Years Day these days and don’t bother with NYE for many of the reasons above, and as l have just finished work after a 24 hour shift, l will probably be in bed early tonight. Tomorrow will however, be a long and very drunken day.
biggles says
…Just took The Princess & her partner and The Boy out for a splendid lunch (Mrs Biggles didn’t feel up to it).
Now back home, and about to open something(s) nice; white first…
The “youngsters” will last until the wee small hours, whilst us oldies will hope to get to bed of our own accord – rather than being woken up because of dribbling and/or snoring – to put on an audiobook (John Le Carre?) to see us off to sleep.
Oh, and in case there is a smidgen of interest in looking back to some music of the past year:
Bouanne Nouvele Onnaïe, eh!!
fentonsteve says
The perfect soundtrack for the mammoth database mangling I have to look forward to on my return to the ‘office’ (dining table) on Tuesday.
Beezer says
We’ve had some very enjoyable NYE’s with some good pals over the years but as a general rule it’s not a celebration I’m bothered about.
We’re often happy enough to go to bed at the usual pre-midnight time and enjoy the day off on the other side. As mentioned by others the current prevalence of arseholes letting off fireworks in uncoordinated local private parties for a good hour from ‘the bells’ till gone 1am has reinforced my loathing of the things. Explosives. In the hands of drunks. In the middle of the night, Fuck. Off.
Barry Blue says
With you re fireworks. Last time I attended a display it was one of Chris Eubank’s debacles on Brighton seafront in the late 90s. He sellotaped several rockets together and ended up injuring a number of passers-by.
Boneshaker says
I intend to mark the passing of 2021 in the same way that I marked its inception.
Asleep.
Mike_H says
Don’t usually crawl into my pit until 1-2am anyway, so I’ll be awake for the fighting, fireworks and sirens.
Feedback_File says
Hated NYE when I was a lad – high on expectation but short on delivery was how I remember it. Now that I don’t give a shit I can almost enjoy it. We will be spending it with the same small group of friends as per the last 10 yrs or so. We’ve also come to the rather splendid agreement of celebrating new year at 11:00 so that we can then all fuck off early and the cab will be cheaper – double win!!
Locust says
Normally I would have been at work today, but this year I’ve been isolated at home since December 18…but lucky for me (well, sort of), it wasn’t covid, but Bronchitis. Today was the first day when I felt almost well, got to sleep all through the night without coughing myself awake every fifteen minutes. And barely any during the day either.
But, like on this year’s Christmas, and like I always spend NYE, I’ll be all alone at home tonight and my only celebration will be a nice meal later and phoning mum before midningt to toast in the new year.
I made a delicious mushroom stew earlier today, which will become filling for some cheese on toast – easy to make but super yummy. My sister did the shopping for me yesterday and forgot the requested cider, so I’ll have to toast in Julmust (Swedish Christmas/Easter soda) – at least it has bubbles…
Happy New Year to all of my fellow Afterworders!
Moose the Mooche says
I often have an “amateur night” – those Californian videos where everyone’s got a spray tan and surgical enhancements can get very wearing.
MC Escher says
NYE is for young people for whom the novelty has not yet worn off.
We are having a holiday so will avoid the somewhat forced jollity in the resort and naff off about ten thirty. Back on the beach at 9am tomorrow.
HNY all
pawsforthought says
Happy new year to you all. Not up to much, as always. I think our last NYE out and about was at least 12 years ago. I suspect that things haven’t changed much since then. Can’t think of too many great new years eve stories- Indeed I’ve just written out the best two and they’re both pretty dull. Oh well it is 24 years since I fell asleep at a NYE rave to 808 State. They did go on at 4am, to be fair
Rigid Digit says
Just myself and Mrs D (and the dogs)
Cold beer, cold meats, piles of cheese, and a game of Scrabble.
Goodbye 2021, hello 2022 – it must get better, shirley
Thanks all for keeping me sane (or just on the right side of sanity anyway)
davebigpicture says
We met up with friends we haven’t seen for a couple of years last night and stayed away so are staying in tonight. We’ve got Peking Duck and steamed dumplings with a nice Malbec I was gifted as a thank you for doing the sound at the local hospice fundraiser quiz night. We have been out locally on NYE since the kids got old enough to leave but not this year.
Best wishes to you all for 2022.
pencilsqueezer says
Drawing breath and drawing lines.
Listening to Snowpoet.
Drinking lime cordial.
Happy New Year everyone.
Moose the Mooche says
Happy new year Mr P.
fitterstoke says
Happy New Year to you too, Mr Pencil…
Matthew Best says
I’m spending the whole night at work so not much of a NYE for me. I will open a bottle of prosecco and share it with the other four people in the building, but that’s about it. We have to keep awake until 7am, so can’t go crazy.
I can’t say I remember too many NYEs with enormous affection. The worst one was 1999 when I was DJing in a club and almost nobody turned up. I still got paid, so it wasn’t a total disaster, but I do somewhere have a bit of film of me playing “1999” by Prince and panning round an almost empty venue – I think there were a couple standing at the bar wondering if they could ask for a refund.
My best ever NYE was this one:
Lodestone of Wrongness says
The weather here in Spain has been amazing – cloudless skies and 23C. Long lunches followed by falling asleep on the beach. Late this afternoon a sea fret rolled in. It’s now 8C and although the sea is five yards from our balcony we can’t see it, only hear the waves gently lapping the shore. Went for a stroll into Calella – everything closed, met one man and two dogs. Back to the flat for a couple of glasses of wine and an episode of Emily In Paris. Nearly eleven o’clock and time to turn the light off. If the fret has gone in the morning we’ll watch the sun rise over the Med. Living the dream.
Happy New Year one and all
Gary says
You live in France, you drunken fool.
Dave Ross says
I’m sitting here with a bottle of London Pride flicking between the channels. Even I am struggling to watch Britain’s Greatest 80’s Songs on Channel 5, again. My lovely partner has taken herself off to bed as she, like me, cares not a jot for New Years Eve and all its forced, faked jollity and optimism. Jools is on now like an extra from Peaky Blinders so I’m off to bed too… I hope you all have an ok collection of 365 days before we have to tolerate this nonsense again.
fitterstoke says
Currently watching the Gaelic Hogmanay show on BBC Alba, with a wee Bowmore 15 year old…and to all the Afterworders…
Here’s tae us
What’s like us?
Damn’ few…
And they’re aw deid!
Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!
fitterstoke says
That’s “wha’s” of course…the curse of spellcheck…
hubert rawlinson says
Thanks for the tip that’s next year sorted.
fitterstoke says
As commented elsewhere – it was a bit flat this year, to be honest – virus arrangements meant there was no ceilidh in the studio…some of the music was good, including Peat & Diesel…
Jimmydon says
Watching the Hootenanny….only Madness making it tolerable so far. Gregory Porter and Rag n Bone Man must have photos of Jools they are on that show so often
davebigpicture says
I liked Joy Crookes as well as Madness.
Jimmydon says
Okay, the Hot 8 Brass Band were enjoyable too, in a ramshackle way
Jimmydon says
FFS…..the charlatan Sheerin doing Raglan Road now. Worse than terrible
Jaygee says
Caught a bit of Lulu doing Shout not long after switching over from some bloke spouting woke doggerel as he walked across a bridge.
Hard to believe she’s 73
hubert rawlinson says
I thought the one he did with the looping was bad, but it was followed by Craig David which made sheeran sound like a musical genius.
My good lady insisted having it on as “there’s nothing else on”
SteveT says
@jimmydon Jools with Paul Yates?
Junior Wells says
36 celsius “cooling” to 28 by by mid evening. Ie fucking hot.
Down at our beach shack with another couple and Mrs Wells. Tin roof , no insulation , just some fans to make a difference to the outside temp.
Dinner was outside,under the gum trees to the accompaniment of kookaburras. Weber charcoal bbq, copious drinks then some pool on our wonky pool table to the vinly sounds of Tom Jones live las vegas, Modern Lovers, Johnny O’Keefe and Bobby Womack. Special treat Merry Clayton’s solo album.
Feel v rough today. Getting too old for this.
Now waiting for it to cool down from 36 celsius so I can actually walk on the sand to hit the surf and flush the cobwebs.
Happy New Year everyone.
Bingo Little says
Spent the night at a mate’s house playing this weird Dutch game where you try to slide pucks down a wooden board into holes. Became quite involved and lasted long into the evening, with much shouting and trash talk by all.
Kids stayed up for the bongs and the pretty impressive drone show.
Beyond that; massive takeaway, fire pit and lots of chat. Bit of a sing song. Rolled home, leaving the kids to sleep over. Now in that funny moment where it’s a bit late but you’re a little too buzzed to go to bed just yet.
Farewell, 2021 – you definitely had your moments.
Nice to meet you, 2022 – please god can I spend at least part of you on a sunny beach.
Happy New Year, Afterworders; I wish each of you health, happiness and good music for the year ahead. Never forget: it is you and I who are perfect, not the next world.
X
Gary says
“Kids stayed up for the bongs” – Cool. I love permissive parenting.
Bingo Little says
Best way to guarantee a lie in this morning 👌
SteveT says
Sounds like the kind of New Years eve I would have enjoyed.
All the best for 2022.
Mike_H says
I arrived at the pub just after 10pm to the strains of Frank Sinatra singing “Mack The Knife” with a couple dancing. Not a bad start.
Chatted briefly and drank beer.
Drank more beer and looked at stuff on phone.
DJ (aka pub landlord) played a predictable mix of good and crap music on his DJ console. Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is something you’d be foolish to dislike.
At the designated hour a somewhat crappy version of “Auld Langsyne” was played (it’s not “for the sake of” Auld Langsyne, as anyone sensible ought to know). It had bagpipes at the end, so it served the purpose. Noting then that Hogmanay is a primarily Scottish occasion, I ordered and drank a large Highland Park 12 y.o. malt and shortly afterwards went home to drink some more of the same.
Happy New Year, in the hope that it can’t be as bad as the last couple of years, can it?
SteveT says
Personally detest New Years eve – find it melancholic and won’t venture out to a pub because I don’t like drunk wankers potentially spoiling my night.
We went to bed around 9pm after a nice dinner. Decided to watch The Passing on Netflix which was described as one of the films of the year. To be honest it was bloody awful – got about half an hour in and turned it off. Thats half an hour of my life I can’t get back.I
Asleep by 10 and awake by 5am. Today will be more enjoyable – lunch out and then afternoon. showing of the new West Side story.
mikethep says
Babysitting for the daughter and s-i-l, happily binge-watching series 2 of The Expanse, which I’ve only just discovered, in the company of a feisty bottle of single malt from Lidl. First time I’ve been up past midnight on NYE since I caught a 23:30 flight from Singapore a few years ago.
Moose the Mooche says
Our Oor Wullie calendar for 2022 has the noble Wee Eck on its January page, which is an auspicious start to the year as far as I’m concerned.
Gatz says
My avatar approves your wall-decoration/time-planning choice.
Moose the Mooche says
Michty!
Beezer says
Hen Broon and Ron Mael. Never seen in the same room together.
fitterstoke says
Arf!
Moose the Mooche says
See also Paw Broon/ TS McPhee (of the Groondhogs)
chiz says
A hotel in Kyrenia in North Cyprus. It’s one of those places that’s just far enough from anywhere to discourage you from heading out into the night in search of somewhere better to spend your evening, even though pretty much any fetid ditch on the roadside would fit that description. There were about 20 of us, half of whom I knew. The promised band didn’t turn up, but unfortunately the promised belly dancer did. Generously proportioned even for someone of her calling, of course she picked me to wobble my lard alongside hers.
Once the forced jollity was over, and against all expectation, I actually started to enjoy myself. My plan to slip quietly away around 10.30 got shelved as one banging dance floor hit after another needed by urgent attention. The food was good, the booze was cheap and plentiful, and there was no awkward hugging of strangers at the moment of climax, because, you know, Covid. We didn’t stick around once the deed was done – before old acquaintances had even been brought to mind, we were out of there and asleep ten minutes later.
Moose the Mooche says
“no awkward hugging of strangers at the moment of climax” – quite right, don’t hug people when they’re busy.
thankudoctor says
Isolating with Covid 🙁
HNY to you all !
Moose the Mooche says
Bad lack feller. Roll on freedom day.
Rob_C says
Healing vibes on the way.
fortuneight says
Honking cold, all the main symptoms of Omicron since Boxing Day but every test result negative. Never have I drunk so little, slept so much. 2022 has to be better.
Black Type says
Moi aussi.
Twang says
Home in front of the fire with 2 films*, salmon in prosciutto followed by panne cotta. Bubbly. Mrs.T. Heaven.
“Palm Springs” and “The Lost Daughter” – both excellent.
Rob_C says
I was in bed with a New York Vanilla Cheescake.
thecheshirecat says
I wondered who had nicked that out of my fridge.
fitterstoke says
Don’t the sheets get messy?
Moose the Mooche says
It’s his pet name for Lady Gaga.
Gatz says
[Mutters under breath] I like the fireworks. I spent the first few minutes of 2022 scanning the horizon from my living room window, which is on high ground as Essex goes, taking in the spectacle, along with my other half (and the cat, who finds them fascinating).
That said, so many Afterworders (and more importantly their pets) are obviously deeply upset by them, so I would reluctantly be prepared to let them go.
Gary says
Two days before New Year’s Eve, Naples mayor Gaetano Manfredi decided to ban fireworks. This was the Neopolitans’ response on the night.
Vulpes Vulpes says
That’s the first convincing argument I’ve seen in favour of Brexit.
hubert rawlinson says
There’s also this.
Mike_H says
A good firework display is a nice thing to watch. It’s the noise that goes with that which is the problem.
In the UK, the bozos who really go for it on NYE seem to value loudness of explosions higher than the beauty of the display.
One of the reasons I decided to go to the pub for the last couple of hours of 2021 was that you couldn’t hear the explosions over the music from the disco.
Driving down through Edgware and Burnt Oak earlier, at about 21:30, it sounded like I was right in the middle of WWIII.
Moose the Mooche says
….but what if you’ve come over from the war with a party in your head?
James Taylor says
Spent it on a cruise ship having spent the day wandering around a pretty much closed down Stavanger, Norway. Was a lovely day spent with wife and daughter and then the evening being served decent food, drinking some nice wine.
Still don’t get the whole New Years hype though, cant really think of one that stands out, though New Years Day 2020,spent on Maho beach St Maartin, watching the aircraft land above my head was probably my most memorable, least hungover, 1st January.
Vulpes Vulpes says
Next time you claim that you like fireworks, consider this (just the latest in a long line of cases):
http://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ban-the-retail-sale-of-fireworks?source=rawlink&utm_medium=socialshare&utm_source=rawlink&share=9d7f5176-1efd-45d3-9ad4-d5d3689e4f60