The countdown has begun.

Every year, billion of people around the globe yell six words – “Three, two, one . Happy New Year!”

But while awaiting the biggest bashes of the year, people everywhere are counting down the days until they can count down those final few seconds.

Preparations are already underway, with invitations being sent out and plans being made. A lot of thought and effort goes into the holiday. And what better way to ring in the New Year than by spending the evening with friends and family?

Laura Kolpien, freshman communication studies major, has had the same New Year’s routine for the past six years.

“Me and my friend usually go to her house and get sparkling grape and apple juice,” Kolpien said. “We get a lot of junk food and sit and watch movies all night until the ball drops. Then, we continue our movie-watching.”

Bethany Schlotterer, freshman business major, also celebrates the holiday watching movies with friends.

“I always do the same thing every New Year’s,” Schlotterer said. “I always go to a friend’s house. We usually watch movies all night and then watch the ball drop. I do enjoy it.”

Some, however, like Valerie Lattin, freshman photo illustration major, spend the evening as a family tradition.

“We go to my grandma and grandpa’s house New Year’s Eve,” Lattin said. “We exchange Christmas gifts at midnight because we can’t make it there for Christmas.”

Brianna Foreman, freshman interior design major, plans on celebrating New Year’s with quite a bang.

“I’m probably going to go buy a bunch of fireworks and go somewhere and set them off with friends,” Foreman said. “When I was little, I used to go with my family to shoot them off. The kids would shoot them at each other until one year, when I got hit in the stomach. It was not fun.”

Miranda Reed, freshman communication studies major, has a different way of spending the holiday.

“I always have to work on New Year’s,” Reed said. “Because I work at Papa John’s, everyone has to work because we get so busy. We still celebrate, though. The company gives us money to buy food and we have our own party.”

Whether spending the evening with friends, family, or coworkers, New Year’s seems to be an enjoyable holiday for all. So pop in a movie, let the sparkling grape juice flow, and let the countdown begin.

Contact features correspondent Maria Nann at [email protected].