Every tradition has to start somewhere and the tradition of setting a New Year’s resolution started during the time of Babylonians. They believed the New Year started in March, but the Romans changed it to January. January is named for a God named Janus whose one face looked back at the old year while its other stared directly toward the new year.

In Rome the New Years resolutions were mostly about their morals and being good to others, but when the Roman Empire made Christianity it’s official religion they chose to make January 1 the day to observe the Feast of the Circumcision. Instead of making resolutions there would be excessive prayers and fasting.

This tradition lasted until the Medieval era, when the knights took the “peacock vow” after the Christmas season. This vow they took every year would re-affirm their commitment to chivalry and was a type of resolution.

Every culture leading up the present day has had a part in shaping how we celebrate the coming of a New Year. Today on December 31 millions of people around the world kiss their significant other when the clock strikes twelve and make a New Year’s resolution. Resolutions can range from losing weight to getting better grades or spending more time with family and friends. Whatever the resolution may be, people are often inspired to use the upcoming year as a time to make drastic changes in their life.

The top ten New Year’s resolutions of 2013 are as follows:

10. Finish those around the house “to-do” lists

9. Read more

8. Get organized

7. Save money

6. Volunteer

5. Better work/life balance

4. Quit smoking

3. Learn something new

2. Quit drinking

1. Eat healthy and exercise regularly

Many students and faculty members alike have set their own New Year’s resolution. Here are just a few:

Mr. Chris Seebohm of the math department would like to grow hair and become taller. The Bosley ointment is his treatment of choice.

English teacher Mrs. Michelle Schnell would like to get her grading done faster and into the grade book.

Junior Krista Carter would like to become more organized at school and at home.

Sophomore Carlie Neville would like to work harder in school.

Good luck to all of you!