New Year's Disillusions, oh I mean Resolutions?

I had some trouble deciding just what to write about tonight -- there are so many ideas, so many interesting things to write about I don't know where to begin! All life truly is interesting. Since it's the beginning of a new year I thought I would touch base on New Years Resolutions. What is the history behind them? Where did this idea of starting anew in a new year come from. I have to say I don't really participate in the whole New Years Resolution thing, but I am curious about the history them and how many people seem to pursue resolutions til they are successful.

As for the history: this infoplease website mentions it was the Babylonians who are believed to have started the tradition of creating new years resolutions. New Years the oldest holiday?! New Years use to be celebrated in the spring-- a time of new beginnings. New years use to be celebrated for 11 eleven days -- talk about a party -- sign me up.

Down to the nitty gritty -- how many people fulfill their resolutions??? -- let's go to the tapes or shall I say Wikipedia -- "Recent research shows that while 52% of participants in a resolution study were confident of success with their goals, only 12% actually achieved their goals."

Interesting traditions around the world:

Scotland: One tradition, "first-footing", involves neighbors visiting each other shortly after midnight on New Year's eve to pass along good wishes for the new year. "It is considered especially lucky if a tall, dark, and handsome man is the first to enter your house after the new year is rung in." Hey that could be good for any single ladies out there, but I'm sure not every one wants a tall, dark, handsome man entering their home...

Japan: New years is the most important holiday in Japan. In December, "forget-the-year parties" are held to bid farewell to the problems and concerns of the past year and prepare for a new beginning -- I'd have to say a lot of people around the world were happy to say good bye to not so economically great 08 and the hopes for 09 are a plenty.

Spain: A New Year's eve ritual in Spain is to eat twelve grapes at midnight -- meant to secure twelve happy months in the coming year. I wish I could explain this further, but it's getting late and I am afraid it's getting past my bedtime. This shall remain a mystery.

Really every day is a good day to set a goal, reevaluate your life, move towards a new idea. I see how the 1st of the year is a good starting point and a chance to thinks things over, but I think it's overrated.