An interesting custom among the Americans is the New Year's resolutions. This tradition dates back to the time of the Babylonians. Health-related goals top the charts every year, particularly pledges to lose weight, exercise more, and quit smoking. A close second are financial resolutions, such as plans to increase savings, conquer debt, and avoid excessive spending.
On New Year's Eve, the most exciting and magnificent occasion for celebration is generally agreed to be the New York's Times Square. Each December 31, a huge crystal ball is hung above One Times Square. At 11:59 p.m., the 1000-pound ball begins its descent as millions of voices unite to count down the final seconds of the old year.
Many states in America hold some festive activities with strong local colour around New Year's Day. The Tournament of Roses Parade enjoys the most biggest fame nationwide. The parade now features magnificent floral floats, high-stepping equestrians and spirited marching bands, displaying the tradition and pageantry for which it is renowned. Each year, millions of visitors from abroad are attracted to the Rose Parade.
Holding a Mummers Parade that lasts for as much as 10 hours is how the people in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, celebrate the New Year. The parade is a melding of European traditions that have persisted to the present. The parade features marchers in elaborate and expensive costumes. Clowns and other characters who satirize contemporary life are especially eye-catching among the crowd.
Football games are often held in some states after the celebration. They include the Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, California; Cotton Bowl Game in Dallas, Texas; Sugar Bowl Game in New Orleans, Louisville and others appearing later, like the Crocodile Bowl Game in Jacksonville, Florida and Sun Bowl Game in El Paso, Texas.
