A New Year

... but not really.

The division is an arbitrary one, as all year divisions are; moreover, it is a division without meaning, hallowed by tradition alone.

Better divisions would be in February, when I celebrate how many years I have been Orthodox, or May, when I celebrate how many years I have been married to E., or August, when I celebrate how many years I have been alive, or September, when the rest of the Church marks year divisions. All of these have abundantly richer meaning than two-headed Janus' bacchanal.

As for New Year's Resolutions? Many years ago I resolved not to make New Year's resolutions. And I am delighted to declare that I haven't faltered in that resolve.

- V.