The Good and Bad of New Year Traditions

After the holidays, billions of people around the world celebrate the new year. Celebrations consist of parties, a ball dropping, gathering with friends, and sometimes even predictions. While there are many glorified traditions on the new year, there are some that are not the safest and ethical ways to celebrate the turning of the new year. Underage drinking, one of the most dangerous activities for a teenager during the holidays.

Drinking alcohol is common on holidays, and is a way to gather and socialize, in fact, New Year’s Eve is the one holiday of the year with the most drinking. Which also correlates to the most motor vehicle accidents on a holiday. According to an online article about teenage drinking, it was reported that in the new year, there are about 11,000 teens that will try their very first sip of alcohol, and 400 of those teens will become a part of an underage drinking and driving accident on the new year. There are other ways to celebrate, of course. In fact, of every student that replied to a survey, 100% of those Waukee students said that they do celebrate the new year. But how do Waukee students celebrate safely?

Some students go out and see their friends, while others visit with family and enjoy the holiday from the comfort of their home. “I spend my new year playing games, and spending time with friends and family.” Senior Lucas Haviland says, “But this year will be different, cause I am spending the new year in California.” Senior Jordan Cunningham says that “[Her] family always stays up late to watch the ball drop,” which is a common tradition with people all over the world. There are plenty of other ways to celebrate that do not include drinking. With the turn of the new year, it is important to remember safety on these holidays. While drinking appears to be a fun activity to engage in with friends, it can also lead to fatalities.