Whistle in the New Year
A novel look at the year-end celebration
Here’s a novel idea for New Year’s Eve. Boomer reader Patricia Finn likes to whistle in the new year – and that may not be what you think!
Are you worried about safety on New Year’s Eve? Well, you can put your worries aside because I have a new safety-first plan that solves the problem. People will be drinking, which implies that there will be a greater level of danger. I was surprised to learn that many women now carry a concealed weapon, but to maintain my pacifist identity, I have developed a personal safety plan that does not include firearms training. Sadly the pepper spray days are over and today we have stylish handbags with an extra compartment for mommy’s pistol.
Because I am not ready for the Annie Oakley bag, I have a low-cost, practical solution. I will wear a whistle. I like this. It can be on a long chain which reminds me of old movies where the police blew whistles and carried billy clubs. I am not sure who Billy was, but I had an Aunt Josie who kept a billy club under her car seat and told me that if anyone dangerous got in her car, she would use it. This is the same auntie who baked wonderful pies, so I was impressed but confused.
How did I come up with the idea to defend myself with a whistle? Way back when, I had a purse siren that came in handy the day I was on a deserted street and tripped. I landed face down and needed help. My purse was within reach and the siren brought a good Samaritan to my aid.
This New Year’s Eve, will I choose dangerous places to celebrate? Not me. Crowds, pickpockets, none of that appeals to me. My idea of danger is to walk 50 feet to the dumpster after dark. When I was young, my parents frequently went to Times Square for their New Year’s Eve big night out. One year, my dad’s wallet was “lifted.” I live in a Florida town where the crowds are less crowded, and a pineapple gently drops at the special midnight moment.
Although I like Florida’s creative spin, I am bothered by the decision to celebrate at this moment in time. Are we sure that this is the start of a new year? Counting from when? Moses? Adam? I need more facts. Too many other choices challenge the authenticity of the moment. What about the Jewish New Year when you get a honey cake? Or the Chinese New Year when people crowd under a shared dragon costume. None of it resonates as true. Can I put truth aside, accept the consequences and know that when the clock strikes 12 it will maybe, possibly, be a new year? Of course, I can. When you wear a whistle, all things are possible.
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