Why?

It's the new year and, as usual, we have the parties and the noise. The party revellers are out celebrating in jam-packed concert areas, families are out in town, children running about, friends meeting over supper, some inexpensive, in late-night hawker centres or the neighbourhood coffee shops; the rest who are more willing to spend out in fashionable bars and cafes, sipping, drinking, generally having a good time. There is a light feel in the air, but when it comes to new year celebrations, I suspect the ones who don't celebrate it are in the majority.

It's just like clubbing. Perceived as the in thing, all the hype around it, when actually clubbers represent only a small minority of young people, and for every 1 clubber there is there are probably more than 5 others who are staying at home, watching tv, surfing the net, playing computer games, reading, blogging...

Who cares about the arrival of the new year? Why does it seem compelling that one should celebrate the new year by partying or otherwise? Why can't it pass and feel like a night like any other? Is there really anything inherently important in the night of new year's eve? Or is it really just an excuse to gather and have a wild time, the same way birthdays and valentines day give people an excuse (or a reminder) to buy a gift for that special someone.

Like why the hell would I want to celebrate my own birthday?