We put on goofy new themed socks, a gift from grandma, and as the chimes of the clock give us a prelude to the New Year, we join hands and heart; and with laughter and silliness, we kick the old year to the curb. Then, “Auld Lang Syne.” The familiar Scottish song that has become a traditional New Year’s song worldwide pulls us into a more serious, sentimental mood, and we share our hopes and prayers for a New Year. A 20-year ritual and lots of socks are reminders of past births, deaths, dreams fulfilled and dreams deflated; but each year we continue to put our feet together and wrap arms around each other to welcome in another year. With sentimental gratitude, we kick the old to the curb and prepare to dance in another year, gleefully shouting our familiar, annual mantra: “SOCK IT TO ME — HAPPY NEW YEAR!”

Donna Varnam, Shallotte, a member of Brunswick Electric