New Year's Resolutions & Words to Auld Lang Syne

New Year's Resolution

Wikipedia has the following explanation for the meaning of "New Year's Resolution":

A New Year's resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or the reforming of a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year's Day. Some examples include resolutions to donate to the poor more often, to become more assertive, or to become more environmentally responsible.

There are religious parallels to this secular tradition. People may act similarly during the Christian fasting period of Lent, though the motive behind this holiday is more of sacrifice than of responsibility. During Judaism's New Year, Rosh Hashanah, through the High Holidays and culminating in Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), one is to reflect upon one's wrongdoings over the year and both seek and offer forgiveness. The concept, regardless of creed, is to reflect upon self-improvement annually.

Ten New Year's Resolutions

1. Spend more time with family and friends.
2. Become more fit.
3. Lose weight.
4. Quit Smoking.
5. Stop and smell the roses more.
6. Quit drinking alcohol.
7. Get out of debt.
8. Learn something completely new.
9. Help others.
10. Get more organized.

Auld Lang Syne

While nearly all of the English speaking world sings this familiar song a the stroke of midnight to welcome in the New Year, almost no one actually knows the words. The song was written in 1741 by Robert Burns, one of Scotland's favourite sons and the title 'Auld Lang Syne' literally means 'the good old days'.

Follows is the complete words to this popular song, which everyone signs and no one knows. It is written as Mr. Burns wrote it in 1741 so even though you may be able to read the words, knowing what they mean could prove challenging.


Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

We twa hae run aboot the braes
And pou'd the gowans fine;
we've wander'd mony a weary foot
Sin' auld lang syne

We two hae paidled i' the burn,
Frae mornin' sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne

And here's a hand, my trusty friend,
And gie's a hand o' thine;
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
and days of auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne