Every year for the past decade or so, I’ve shared Regina Spektor’s recording of “My Dear Acquaintance (A Happy New Year)” on my social media as a way to send broad-spectrum good wishes.
It’s not about the tradition so much as it is about the words themselves. My dear acquaintance, it’s so good to know you. I couldn’t say it better myself.
My dear acquaintance, it's so good to know you For strength of your hand, that is loving and giving And a happy new year, with love overflowing With joy in our hearts, for the blessed new year Raise your glass and we'll have a cheer For us all who are gathered here And a happy new year to all that is living To all that is gentle, kind, and forgiving Raise your glass and we'll have a cheer My dear acquaintance, a happy new year All of those who are hither and yonder With love in our hearts, we grow fonder and fonder Hail to those who we hold so dear And hail to those who are gathered here And a happy new year to all that is living To all that is gentle, young, and forgiving Raise your glass and we'll have a cheer My dear acquaintance, a happy new year
Thanks for being with me this year, asking questions. It’s my privilege to have this outlet to write and I appreciate all of you for reading.
I’d like to keep writing and perhaps you’d like to share this haphazard writing project of mine with someone you know who might like it, too.
Until next year,
Stephanie
Questions to Ask at the stroke of midnight.