Uncovered in the early 1700’s, Auld Lang Syne is a song whose lyrics were captured by Scotsman, Robert Burns. Literally translated, it means “old long since” or more appropriately “to days gone by.” And for more than three centuries, Auld Lang Syne has been the traditional anthem of New Year’s Eve sung by hundreds of millions of people in countries all over the world.
And therein lays the irony.
To embrace the lyrics of Auld Lang Syne is to acknowledge that New Year’s Eve is really about looking back, not forward.
To be sure, December 31st naturally brings with it a sentiment of anticipation as we all wonder what the coming year has in store for us–there’s no denying that. But by all accounts, this holiday is a time purposely set aside for deep reflection. With no apologies, it is the one time each year that we are encouraged to gaze deeply in the rear view mirror and remember and honor the people and events that we hold dear.
And it wasn’t until 3 am on New Year’s morning that I realized how important this understanding really is.
I guess the point is this.
When you spend New Year’s Eve looking forward, you realize that those ambitious resolutions and big dreams come with a hefty price tag. And at the end of night, all you really have is the feeling that it’s time to get the mess cleaned up and get home and get to bed.
Instead, the late night hours of New Year’s Eve are ones that should be savored and embraced in the same way you would hug a dear friend that you hadn’t seen in years.
Grabbing for my coat, it suddenly didn’t seem so late anymore. And as I made my way to the exit, I quietly gave great and sincere thanks for all those good days gone by.
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