New Year. So much  promise. So much expectation. But isn’t it exactly all that expectation that can bring the whole party structure crashing down?

Think about it. At what other time of year are you forced into appearing not just jolly, but jolly and hopeful, often when in the company of complete strangers?

Enforced anything, be it joy, mirth, or anything else that’s wonderful in other circumstances, feels and is, false. Leaving people sensing a lack of authenticity,  but feeling too polite to know what to do about it. Is it any wonder that the people can find the easiest way through to be a vast amount of alcohol?

There is another solution. Be real. Say what you really feel. And, if you feel the need to do so, acknowledge the old year, as well as paying attention to the new. (And yes, I know that lots of people aren’t in the least sorry to see the back of 2009…but acknowledge that, if it feels right for you. It’ll leave you feeling that you’ve had a much cleaner break with the past than six glasses of fizz and a desultory chorus of Auld Lang Syne will by themselves).

And above all, be easy on yourself. In the Northern hemisphere, anyway, it’s winter, so rather than expecting yourself to have bags of sparkle, just allow yourself to be, however you are, with whoever you meet. And then see what happens.

Here’s to authentic fun, in whatever way suits you best.