Something extraordinary happens in my native country of Spain every 31st of December at 11:59:48 pm. We do the same thing at the same time all at once (46,000,000 people!!). We eat “las uvas de la suerte” (“the lucky grapes”).

This tradition goes back a century. It was promoted by some merchants in a year were the harvest of grapes had been abundant. Since then, every Spaniard eats one grape per second before midnight, for a total of 12 (one per every month of the year). If you’re able to eat them all, coinciding with the sound of the 12 bells, then you’ll have a lucky year.

One of the things that I love the most about this ritual is that even though those 12 seconds go by quickly, the time seems to pass by in slow motion. It’s time to reflect, to say goodbye to the year that’s about to go, and hello to the new one that’s impatient to arrive. The memories of that year run through our minds. And at the same time, we all have a big smile on our faces, because come on, it’s pretty hilarious to see a room full of people with 12 grapes in their mouths!

You’re welcome to adopt our tradition. I guarantee you and your family will have a blast. Or do anything you like. But please, do one thing: enjoy the moment, leave your cell phone alone, and embrace every second and every smile (that’s 3 things – well you know what I mean). Say goodbye to 2017 like you’d say goodbye to a dear friend. And welcome and open your arms and your heart to 2018.

I wish for you joy, happiness and laughter. And that you make time in 2018 to do the things that you love to do and that give you so much satisfaction.

Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!

Naima

 

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