Wednesday, December 30, 2009 At 8pm we donned our warm overcoats (it takes ten minutes to dress up with all the outer layers!) and headed out to the base of the slopes for the New Year's Eve torch relay at Silverstar ski resort, Canada. Skiers and snow boarders were excitedly taking the skilift to the top of the mountain while down in the village we joined the hundreds of kids, parents, families who had gathered to witness this amazing spectacle down the mountain. The snow was fluttering down creating a typical winter scene. Fresh, soft clean snow fluffed up under our boots as we walked up the hill a bit to get a clear view of the riders. Walking through the snow with our winter gear generated a delightful warmth to our bodies.

The excitement was building and suddenly a glow appeared in the clouds half way up the mountain... first the young children came down holding bright yellow lights some of them singing 'Happy New Year'... all the bystanders clapping and cheering them along.  Five more minutes of anticipation and a red glow formed up at the top of the hill... the flares were lit and down they came weaving their way along the slopes coming from three directions, merging in front of where we were standing. More cheers of encouragement and appreciation from the crowd.


As the last rider came down the slope, the applause and cheering was heartfelt and appreciative. Then came the fireworks which with the snow clouds were dulled considerably, but we got the idea and there were a few low ones that brought out the oooh's and ahh's... and another big round of applause when the last sparkle sparkled!

Walking back through the town people were huddled around the fire that is kept going in the main thoroughfare.


Community gatherings and celebrations - no matter the occasion bring us all together - all around the world celebrations for the new year abound.

Happy New Year! May 2010 be blessed with understanding, grace, peace and happiness.

How did you welcome the new decade and celebrate the New Year? I would love to hear from you...