The holiday is celebrated by religious services and special meals. The night of December 31/January 1, the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar. These “New Year” holidays are yet another reminder of the common threads shared by many of the world’s religions. Despite the differences in the ways that they are observed, these traditions all express an appreciation for the past coupled with a hope for blessings and prosperity in the coming year. This day marks the start of a new year, every year. It’s the start of the 365 days of the year, a fresh start. Julius Caesar, a Rome’s dictator, decided that the traditional Roman calendar was in need of serious changes. In the seventh century B.C., he included 12 lunar months of 29 or 30 days, which added up to 355 days each year. Many people make New Year’s resolutions. These are usually promises to themselves that they will improve something in their own lives. Interestingly, New Years resolutions also commonly include things like treating other people better, making new friends, and paying off debts. And many people resolve to pray more. Other customs that are common worldwide include watching fireworks and singing songs to welcome the new year. In the United States, the most iconic New Year’s tradition is the dropping of a giant ball in New York City’s Times Square at the stroke of midnight. Millions of people around the world watch the event, which has taken place almost every year since 1907.