Get ready to say good-bye to the old, hello to the new! What’s the occasion? The coming of the New Year.

Many Western cultures measure their days with the solar calendar. Therefore, they     1    the coming of New Year on January 1. Cultures in Asia and Middle East use other calendars, such as the more ancient lunar calendar. They celebrate the New Year at other times.

Events and ceremonies vary from country to country. But in each places, New Year celebrations are a big     2    Most world cultures have been celebrating the New Year for centuries. The earliest New Year celebrations took place during spring or harvest time. With better weather ahead, or plenty of food to eat in winter, people naturally felt like having a party!

As the days became longer and as nature     3    itself, people also felt like they could have a new start. Past disappointments could be forgotten. The New Year could bring better     4     , more opportunities and new challenges. Such universal themes remain the same today.

Some cultures have unusual New Year traditions. Italians throw old things out of their windows at midnight,     5    the departure of the old. Mexicans fire guns into the air to keep away misfortunes.

New Year celebrations also     6    having fun. Some cultures view the New Year as an opportunity to let off fireworks. In New York City’s Times Square, thousands gather on December 31 to     7    down the last seconds of the year. A giant silver ball is lowered at the stroke of midnight.

London, England, hosts an annual New Year’s Day     8    that draws nearly a million spectators. The largest parade in Europe, it features bands and enormous balloons. These ballons are so huge that they     9    over nearby buildings!

How will you celebrate the New Year? Think about the     10    you find meaningful during this season. Do you hope for a new start or a chance to turn over a new leaf? Whatever the case, we wish you well. Happy New Year!

Best Time of Year

Depending on your in-laws or your uncles, this might be your best holiday season ever.

Fewer families plan to travel to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas together     1     the corona-virus pandemic. Even those who were originally planning large family celebrations are warier of doing so     2     they were last month, according to a recent poll. Nearly 71% of people in the United States now believe that there is a large or moderate risk     3     (associate) with “attending in-person gatherings of friends and family outside your household,” the Axios-Ipsos poll found. That’s a 9-point increase since this time last month.

There is a reason for their concern. Hospitalizations in several states are increasing rapidly, and much of the country is experiencing a surge in positive cases     4     cannot be completely explained by increased testing. And given recent studies that prove family gatherings contribute to the spread of the coronavirus, cautious people are right to downsize. This is a huge sacrifice for many, especially     5     who live across the country from their mother, father, brother, or sister and rarely get to see them. For others, it’s a mercy: no fights with your social-justice-warrior nieces, no embarrassment at Uncle Brad’s overindulgence (沉溺于) in merlot, and no awkward questions from Aunt Jennie about why you’re not dating anyone.

For those who     6     (decide) to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas as they normally would, don’t worry: The holidays have always been a dangerous time of year, even     7     a global pandemic. Binge-drinking (狂饮) incidents skyrocket around this time each year, and any medical professional     8    (tell) you that deep-fried turkey accidents make up a good chunk of the hospitalizations they see on Thanksgiving Day. So, what’s a little     9     (risky), right?

Either way, the holiday season is bound to be unforgettable. Those who choose to stay home and celebrate with immediate family only will experience a much more intimate setting that might just make this year’s Thanksgiving the most meaningful yet. And those who choose to gather with their loved ones for Christmas will do so,     10     (know) that familial (家庭的) connection is one of the best cures to this year’s many woes. As with anything, it’s all about perspective.