Here’s some things you can do between now and 11:59PM on Dec. 31 to start your New Year off right!
-Make sure all the laundry is done, folded, and put away.
-Clean the house!
-Throw out all the trash and put out the recycling.
-Clean out your car.
-Balance your checkbook, and make sure there’s at least 1 dollar in your wallet; that way, you’ll start the year off with money.
-Put clean sheets on the bed.
-Throw out any spoiled or old food.
-Got clothes to donate that are piling up? Take them to your local donation spot.
-Clean off your altars; remove old food and drink offerings, clean out incense ashes, wash any altar clothes, wipe everything down. Talk to your spirits or ancestors as you do it, thanking them for everything they did for you this year and ask them to continue working for you in 2018.
-Make a lucky New Year’s recipe, if you like to cook: some folks like Hoppin John. I myself, being a Vodouizant, will be making Soup Joumou, Haitian squash soup. January 1 is Haitian Independence Day, and it’s traditional to eat soup Joumou on that day. I’m going to share it with my lwa.
When you’re all done with that, take a good shower and then do your spiritual cleansing bath, then prop your feet up with a glass of bubbly (or beverage of your choice) and ring in the New Year! If you’re going out, please don’t drink and drive.
