Celebrate with caution

THE termination of an old year and the ushering in of the new is always a time of celebration.

It’s done all over the world, in any number of different ways.

Ancient tradition linked the changing of times and seasons to harvests, crops and yields.

It was a time to be thankful for what was received, and to be optimistic about the abundance hoped for in the year to come.

Celebrations were often sombre, spiritual and reflective.

That’s not to say they were without plenty of eating, drinking and partying.

Unfortunately, mankind along the way has embraced the superficial and revelry aspects of New Year celebration almost to the total neglect of its deeper, more meaningful facets.

In a nutshell, New Year’s Eve (and the festive season in general) has been translated into a time of drunkenness; to ‘celebrate’ means, for many, to get drunk.

Done in the confines of one’s private home has relatively little effect on society – apart from the possibility of women and child abuse.

Unfortunately, most of the partying gets done in public, with plenty of implications.

One is drinking and driving. Without being some kind of a prophet, it can safely be predicted that there will be many alcohol-related road deaths over the next week.

Another is the danger of swimming while intoxicated. Again, we will have drownings.

Then there is the lowering of inhibitions that will result in fights, rapes, assaults, unprotected sex and general disorder.

Members of law enforcement agencies double their resources at this time of year, in preparation for another round of mindless merriment.

Be warned: expect roadblocks, and expect to be treated without leniency.

Take responsibility for your own safety.

Know where your children are!

Protect your possessions, such as homes and ATM cards, since criminals are also aware of the lower levels of alertness that characterise this season.

Celebrate with caution. And may it be a safe, blessed start to a wonderful 2015 that lies ahead.