Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year! I always wondered why one was merry and the other happy. The adjectives ought to be interchangeable.

Ever wonder why the year starts in January 1? Goes back to good old Julius Caesar, who set up the new solar calendar in Rome. There’s really no rhyme nor reason to it; it would make much more sense to tie it to a change in seasons or something. Interestingly enough, New Year’s was mainly celebrated in March up until just a few centuries ago. The Gregorian calendar restored the January date in 1582, yet the British empire, including the American colonies, celebrated a March date until 1752. That’s pretty recent, folks.

In a related theme… I’m curious why those Christians who get all worked up about Christmas being a pagan holiday rarely do the same with New Year’s. Any ideas out there?

Anywho, hope everybody gets to spend time with friends and family in these days. The calendar tells us that a new year starts next week, so let’s get out there and treat it like a new year!