Now that the last week in August is here, my thoughts inevitably begin turning towards September. And ever since I can remember, September has always felt like the beginning of my new year – much more so than January ever does – so there’s a certain anticipation in the air, as though a fresh start is right around the corner.
Perhaps, for whatever reason, my mind has forever linked September with the beginning of the school year, which for me was always about newness… new outfits, clean notebooks, fresh school supplies. September was always the start of something, with old friends returning from vacation and new friends just waiting to be met. Thanksgiving with its turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie was just around the corner, which meant that – oh, joy! – Christmas itself would soon be in sight. September, with its freshness and anticipation, truly is the beginning of a brand new year full of possibilities and excitement.

The first of January – New Year’s Day, and also my birthday – has always seemed to me to be more like an ending than a beginning. The festivities and food of the Christmas season were through, the last of the presents were opened for another whole year, and the tree had to be taken down and put away. Worst of all, after days of delicious sleep-ins, the alarm clock had to be set again so as not to be late for school or work the next day. January means an ending to fun and goodness and a return to the daily routine.
So for me, while I’ll continue to watch the ball drop and make happy noises with the rest of the world at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, in my heart, September will always be my own personal New Year.
What is “New Year” to you?
Please share!

Well said!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 25, 2014
Thank you! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Today’s Gratitude List – Linkup No. 43
Twitter: WPSiteHelp
August 25, 2014
As a college instructor, September is always a rebirth of sorts as we start another year ‘fresh.’ I am right there with you, Laurel!
Thanks for sharing!
Paul B. Taubman, II recently posted… 8 Blogging “Rules” You Should Probably Ditch
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 26, 2014
It just makes sense, doesn’t it?!
Laurel Regan recently posted… A new year is coming!
Yes Laurel! Come September and there is a sudden change. It brings romance, exoticism and splendour with it. I too love love September.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 26, 2014
I think it might be tied with October for my favourite month. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… A new year is coming!
Twitter: rm29303
August 25, 2014
I am the same way! I always start getting excited towards the end of August. It must be the birthday thing since mine is January 10th.
Rena McDaniel recently posted… ALZHEIMER’S IN PASSING
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 26, 2014
I think that definitely has a lot to do with it!
Laurel Regan recently posted… A new year is coming!
I am not so sure about it being a newness kind of thing, but the fall, from around the end of September to the middle of November or so have always been my favorite time of the year. I have no real reason why, it just is…
Ray recently posted… Time Warner Strikes Again!
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 26, 2014
It’s always been a favourite of mine as well – and I’m not sure why either!
Laurel Regan recently posted… A new year is coming!
Twitter: nabanita21
August 26, 2014
New year to me is a time to start anew… To enjoy mostly.. I love the period of the year from Sep to Jan Feb..For some reason I feel these are the best months when everything is beautiful, more than usual you know
nabanita recently posted… Like being #LikeAGirl
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 26, 2014
I think it’s a wonderful time of year – I love the colours on the leaves especially.
Laurel Regan recently posted… A new year is coming!
Twitter: ellytreehugger
August 26, 2014
Laurel, I understand as though September is somewhat of a new year, for me spring has always felt like a new year for me. I LOVE spring and March 21st feels like the beginning of my new year. BTW, I have a sister whose birthday is Jan. 1st and my birthday Rena McDaniel is Jan. 10th! (It’s a small world after all!) 😉 <3
elly stornebrink recently posted… Part 1: Aftermath of a Brilliant Comic’s Death: Funnyman Robin Williams
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 26, 2014
Definitely a small world!
Laurel Regan recently posted… A new year is coming!
I also feel like the new year is about to begin, and it truly is with Rosh Hashana is on its way. I am returning to grad school and the kids are going back to school after a long month of not doing a lot. It will good for all of our minds to get going again! I’m ready for a rebirth.
Holly recently posted… Lessons From ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 26, 2014
Me too! Love the fall.
Laurel Regan recently posted… A new year is coming!
Twitter: BatteredHope
August 26, 2014
Wow — I never thought about it before — but September is like a new year for me as well. Got me thinking….. nice post.
Carol Graham recently posted… Forgive them? Are You Crazy?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 26, 2014
Thanks, Carol!
Laurel Regan recently posted… A new year is coming!
Twitter: kohleyedme
August 26, 2014
In September we celebrate Onam festival. It is infact considered as the beginning of a new year. 🙂 Lovely post 🙂
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 26, 2014
Thanks, Shalini! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… A new year is coming!
Twitter: pravs
August 26, 2014
Since I live in the present, for me everyday is new and to be explored. so the concept of new year doesn’t apply 🙂
PhenoMenon
http://throodalookingglass.com/2014/08/giant-prayer-wheels-at-the-golden-temple/
PhenoMenon recently posted… Giant Prayer Wheels at the Golden Temple
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 26, 2014
Great attitude! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… A new year is coming!
Twitter: luxganzon
August 26, 2014
what a refreshing read! reminds me of my new year to-do list. fresh new start!
http://baredmysoul.blogspot.com/2013/12/to-do-list-for-2014.html
Lux recently posted… Dear Selfie Generation
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 27, 2014
Thank you very much! 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 17
Twitter: bodynsoil
August 26, 2014
September is a wonderful time of the year, it certainly does feel like a new beginning..
bodynsoil recently posted… The heat wave might be over, hot flashes remain on the horizon
Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 27, 2014
I love the fall. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Tangled Tuesday No. 17
New year to me is diwali, festival of lights celebrated in India. Its colours and brightness always make me happy and speak of new beginnings!
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Twitter: alphabetsalad
August 28, 2014
Lovely! I would love to see that some day.
Laurel Regan recently posted… My two cents’ worth on working from home
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