Everyone has their own New Year’s traditions that they take part in.
For some, it might be taking the polar bear plunge in the freezing cold Monongahela River. Others may go to the movies (of course this was a pre-COVID activity) or sit at home and watch the many bowl games that air on ESPN and FOX.
I’ve had my own special New Year’s Day traditions past and present that I’ll post here, as well as a preview of more content that will be coming to the blog.
I started a new tradition for January 1 (well technically, I did it today the 2nd). Last year, I went to Tanger Outlets in Washington and shopped around. I did buy a couple of charms for my Coach purses but other than that it was rather uneventful. It’s so much easier to buy stuff online than to find it in store in this day and age, isn’t it? I also went to Primanti’s for New Year’s Day lunch, before heading up north on US Route 19 (Washington Road) to find deals at South Hills Village. Other than going to ULTA, it didn’t feel like I had a good time. Perhaps I was not feeling the love for my non binary journey as I did in 2021.
Today’s lunch at the Greensburg Primanti’s brought to light past New Year’s Day traditions. When I was in high school, we would go out for lunch somewhere in Monroeville and then go to Borders (which has since closed) to spend our gift cards and our Christmas money. We always came away with shopping bags full of books and CD’s. Great memories were made back then but things changed over time. We got older and became adults and moved our New Year’s Day adventures to a more local destination: Greensburg and Barnes and Noble. Still fun but nothing like our trips to Borders and Monroeville Mall. Sad that the company is no longer in existence. Fun fact: My mom worked for Waldenbooks in the late 70s into the ’80s. They were a subsidiary of Borders Group. Both companies were owned by K-Mart
Aunt Sue and I started the tradition for a few years of going to see a movie on New Year’s Day. I remember 2014 when we went and saw Frozen and 2016 when we saw Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens. Both films were big box office hits. Frozen 2, the sequel came out in November of 2019. In 2017 and 2019, I drove out past Pittsburgh and shopped in Robinson at the Mall at Robinson and at Settlers Ridge. I always made a trip to Barnes and Noble as well as JCPenney while I was there. One year I ate lunch at the Central Diner and Grille. I definitely recommend this place if you’re in the area.
I’m wiping the slate clean after an uneventful 2022 that saw me question my life choices, try to let go of the past, and learn to love myself. My New Yorker from Primanti’s was awesome. I got some ideas for what I want to purchase with my gift cards and, I bought some classics at Barnes and Noble.
This holiday season has been a big improvement over the last two and I’m excited to see what 2023 has in store.
Stylish 🍒 