A working year is seldomly ended without a proper function or party. It differs from office to office and the look of it is mostly dictated by available funding. Such parties may be splendid events with caviar and champagne being splashed on guests or else a private affair with only a few close people.

I can recall quite a lot of such year-end functions where in some instances big parties were held with lots of food and drinks. On the other hand, can I also recall a few where we were only a few intimate friends gathering around a barbecue fire saluting the year that has passed.

We have recently attended a wedding where the guests were surprised by a card at their seating explaining the meaning of their names. The meaning of my wife’s name is apparently, ’Bringer of joy’. That should come as no surprise to everyone who knows her well. It is no effort for her to alleviate other people’s daily burdens.

‘Auld lang syne’ generally translates as ‘for old times’ sake’, and the melody is tied in with preserving old friendships and looking back over the events of the year.

Make no mistake, you do not want to end up on her wrong side because you will most certainly come short. Luckily, her name and the meaning of it usually prevails.

I mention her in the context of year end functions because of her dislike of the Auld lang syne song. The end of every year is customarily announced by the listening or singing of the song. She says, without even listening to the words, that it makes her feeling sad.

Contrary to the somewhat sad tune, the song is a celebration of friendship and memories of friends. The expression ‘Auld lang syne’ generally translates as ‘for old times’ sake’, and the melody is tied in with preserving old friendships and looking back over the events of the year.

It is once again that time of the year. Time to reminisce a bit about what 2024 has produced. Do not, however, dwell too much about things you cannot undo or things that are beyond your control.

A new year gives us the opportunity to let bygones be bygones and start a fresh.

Every year has its highlights but also always its less celebrated events. Lucky for us, we have a choice in how we react to both of these events. And then there is always the Hope that a new year will be more prosperous and joyous.

A new year gives us the opportunity to let bygones be bygones and start a fresh.

So, to end this off, may your 2024 end well and may your new year exceed your expectations. Whether you will be singing Auld lang syne or Joy to the world have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

I will probably at, some stage, be playing Auld lang Syne on the harmonica, only to be interrupted by my joyous wife and then attempt to do more upbeat Christmas songs…