Out with the old, ringing in the new

Jan 2, 2015 | 4 comments

As I’ve mentioned on Twitter, the start of a new year compels me to clean house. So, post-Christmas, I’ve sorted through drawers and wardrobes, dusted hidden corners, and polished tarnished silver. I also have four bags packed and ready to take to the local charity shop.

It’s been therapeutic, a mental cleaning house too, and has left me feeling lighter in myself, and ready to tackle new challenges.

Perhaps this impetus to clean comes from my Scottish ancestors for whom it was unlucky to start the year in an untidy home.

For those same ancestors, Hogmanay, New Year’s Eve, was a special time, and they brought their traditions with them when they came to Canada in the nineteenth century.

Hence, “first footing” has passed through the generations to my twenty-first century family. After opening the back door to let the old year out, we open the front door to let in the new. Dark-haired Tech Guy is the first person through the door, the “first foot”, to bring good luck for the year ahead.

Celtic heritage, Irish and Scottish, has shaped me as a person and a writer. I plot as I clean. And I shape contemporary stories inspired by old family and community traditions. 

In wishing all of you a Happy New Year of reading, writing and everything that brings you joy, I share an Irish blessing which my grandmother once shared with me. 

“Count your blessings instead of your crosses.

Count your gains instead of your losses.

Count your joys instead of your woes.

Count your friends instead of your foes.

Count your smiles instead of your tears.

Count your courage instead of your fears.

Count your full times instead of your lean.

Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.

Count your health instead of your wealth.

Love your neighbour as much as yourself.”

(Author: Unknown)

4 Comments

  1. Sue Bavin

    How lovely that you are in touch with your roots, many and various as they are. Family traditions are so important – possibly more so for you, being so far from your native Canada.
    I didn’t know that first footing was preceded by letting the old year out of the back door, so I’ve learned something today!
    Here’s wishing you a wonderful year, Jen. Keep those words flowing xxx

    Reply
    • Jen Gilroy

      I’m happy I was able to contribute to your learning! I also wish you a wonderful year, Sue, and much writing success. Thanks for commenting. xxx

      Reply
  2. Nicola

    Thank you for sharing the blessing, Jen. How lovely. Happy New Year! I wish you a year filled with joy, good health and success.

    Reply
    • Jen Gilroy

      Happy New Year to you too, Nicola, and many thanks for your good wishes. I wish you the same, and am glad we’ve connected, virtually. Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting.

      Reply

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