10 things Americans commonly do on New Year’s Day
From family activities to nationwide celebrations, the first day of the year offers a variety of ways to celebrate and embrace new beginnings. According to surveys, about 70% of Americans engage in specific traditions or activities on January 1st, making it one of the most celebrated days of the year. Let’s take a closer look at the ten most common things Americans do to kick off the New Year.
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1. Watch Football Games
Football is a quintessential part of New Year’s Day in the United States.
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College football games, known as College Bowl Games, dominate the day’s television schedule. Popular games include the Rose Bowl and the Sugar Bowl, both of which have been traditions since the early 20th century.
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The NFL also hosts regular-season games, drawing millions of viewers. In 2023, for instance, the Rose Bowl Game attracted over 16 million viewers, highlighting its cultural significance.
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2. Attend or Watch Parades
Festive parades are another iconic tradition.
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The Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, is one of the most famous, featuring elaborately decorated floats covered in flowers. This parade attracts an average of 700,000 in-person attendees and is watched by 50 million people on TV.
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Other cities, like Philadelphia, host their own unique events, such as the quirky Mummers Parade, which features costumed performers and music.
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3. Eat Lucky Foods
Many Americans believe that starting the year with certain foods can bring good fortune.
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Popular dishes include black-eyed peas (symbolizing coins), collard greens (representing money), and cornbread (symbolizing gold). These dishes are particularly popular in the Southern United States.
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According to food industry reports, sales of black-eyed peas increase by 35% in the week leading up to New Year’s Day.
4. Make New Year’s Resolutions
The tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions is widely practiced.
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Common resolutions include losing weight, saving money, or learning a new skill. A recent study revealed that 44% of Americans make resolutions each year, although only 9% feel they are successful in keeping them.
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Fitness goals are the most popular, with gym memberships increasing by 12% in January.
5. Clean and Organize Homes
Many Americans start the year by tidying their living spaces.
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This practice is seen as a way to eliminate negative energy and welcome a fresh start.
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Retail sales of storage bins and organizational products see a spike of 18% in the first week of January as people embrace this tradition.
6. Participate in Polar Bear Plunges
For the adventurous, Polar Bear Plunges are a fun and charitable way to celebrate.
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Participants dive into freezing waters to raise money for causes such as the Special Olympics.
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In 2023, the annual Polar Bear Plunge in Maryland raised over $2 million and drew more than 5,000 participants.
7. Spend Time with Family
After the excitement of New Year’s Eve, many families use January 1st to relax and bond.
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Activities include watching movies, playing board games, or hosting brunch.
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According to a 2022 survey, 62% of Americans say they prefer a quiet New Year’s Day with loved ones over attending large events.
8. Engage in Outdoor Activities
Many people start the year by embracing nature and exercise.
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Activities like hiking, jogging, and even skiing are popular ways to kick off fitness goals.
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State parks across the country host events like First Day Hikes, which attracted 85,000 participants nationwide in 2023.
9. Watch Movies and TV Specials
Television is a big part of the day for many Americans.
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Popular channels often air marathons of beloved shows or classic movies. For example, the Twilight Zone Marathon on the Syfy channel has been a New Year’s Day tradition since the 1990s.
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Streaming services report a 20% increase in viewership on January 1st, as people unwind after New Year’s Eve.
10. Connect with Friends and Family
Many Americans take time to reach out to loved ones.
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Phone calls, texts, and social media posts are common ways to exchange New Year’s wishes.
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According to telecom companies, over 300 million text messages are sent in the U.S. on New Year’s Day alone.
FAQs
1. Why is football so popular on New Year’s Day?
Football games have been a New Year’s Day tradition since the early 1900s, offering both entertainment and community spirit. Bowl games also mark the culmination of the college football season.
2. What is the Rose Parade?
The Rose Parade is an annual event in Pasadena, California, featuring flower-covered floats, marching bands, and equestrian units. It precedes the Rose Bowl football game.
3. What are “lucky foods” in New Year’s traditions?
Foods like black-eyed peas, collard greens, and cornbread are believed to bring prosperity. These dishes are especially popular in Southern cuisine.
4. How effective are New Year’s resolutions?
While many Americans set resolutions, studies show that only 16% of people stick to their goals after six months.
5. What is a Polar Bear Plunge?
It’s an event where participants jump into icy waters, often to raise money for charity. It’s a popular tradition in colder regions of the U.S.
6. Are there any major sales or discounts on New Year’s Day?
Yes, many retailers offer New Year’s Day sales, particularly on fitness equipment, organizational products, and winter apparel.
7. Do Americans work on New Year’s Day?
New Year’s Day is a federal holiday, so most people have the day off, though some essential services remain operational.
8. How do state parks celebrate New Year’s Day?
Many state parks host First Day Hikes, encouraging people to start the year with outdoor exercise and appreciation for nature.
9. What is the Twilight Zone Marathon?
It’s a television tradition where the Syfy channel airs episodes of the classic sci-fi show The Twilight Zone throughout New Year’s Day.
10. How do Americans typically greet each other on New Year’s Day?
People greet each other with phrases like “Happy New Year!” or send messages via phone, email, or social media.
| New Year’s Day in America is a vibrant blend of traditions, entertainment, and personal reflection. Whether it’s watching football, enjoying a hearty meal, or taking a daring plunge into icy waters, Americans have countless ways to start the year on a high note. Whatever the activity, the day is ultimately about celebrating new beginnings and spending time with loved ones. |
