Each year on December 31st we say our goodbyes to the current year and, with great anticipation, usher in the new year – counting down by the second.
The new year comes with the weight of some serious expectations. We are challenged to let go of the bad, negative or hindering aspects of our lives and turn our attention to the bright potential the new year brings.
Among our expanding team, personal New Year’s resolutions abound. Some are the usual (we’ll let you know who cheats on their diet first) and some more unique (but what are we going to do with all those embarrassing pink dog sweaters now?).
As a team, Actionable Research has less a resolution than a promise – we are looking forward to continuing to provide actionable and customized marketing research to our clients in the coming year.
In the meantime, here are a few fast fun facts about New Year’s origins and celebrations.
Origin
– Julius Caesar decreed January 1st the beginning of the calendar year to honor the Roman god of beginnings, Janus.
– In 1852, Pope Gregory XIII established January 1st as the holiday New Year’s Day.
Celebrations
– 1 million people watch the ball drop in Times Square.
– 1 billion people watch the ball drop on TV around the world.
– 360 million glasses of sparkling wine will be consumed by Americans.
– 44% of American adults kiss someone as the clock strikes midnight.
– 10,000 people participate in the Mummers Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
– 18 million flowers are used on floats in the Pasadena, California Tournament of Roses Parade.
Resolutions
45% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions.
Of those, only 8% keep their resolution throughout the entire year.
39% of people in their twenties who set resolutions will achieve them to some degree, compared to 14% for those 60 and above.
75% of people maintain their resolution through the first week, only 46% last further than six months.
Happy New Year’s
Our team wants to wish you a safe and happy New Year’s! Please keep us in mind as you move forward with potential research projects in 2017.
More Fast Facts
If you’re interested in any of the stats listed above, or you just want to find more, check out the following sources:
http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/new-years
http://www.history.com/topics/holidays/new-years/interactives/new-years-by-the-numbers
http://www.statisticbrain.com/new-years-resolution-statistics/
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2015/12/31/11-cultures-dont-celebrate-new-years-day-jan-1-0
http://www.snopes.com/holidays/newyears/beliefs.asp
