On New Year’s Day, you commonly hear the phrase “Out with the old and in with the new.” Unitarian Universalist find creative ways to celebrate this phrase and mark the beginning of a new year. Themes can include reflection upon the year that has just passed; letting go of regrets and pain; hope for the promise of the year to come; resolutions to change; the passage of time; hope; expectation; and dreaming of a creating a better tomorrow.

One way UUs often celebrate is with a Fire Communion or the Burning Bowl. In the words of Rev. Elizabeth Harding, “The fire communion separates the end of the year from the beginning, helping us to put in perspective the joys and sorrows, the changes and transitions, the ups and downs of the year. It’s a half-way point in our church year, but a celebration of the outside calendar’s year’s end and year’s beginning.”

In a ceremony of the burning bowl, people are invited to write down write down words, or a phrase, to sum up what they wish to release before entering the new year. They then come forward to burn that piece of paper.

Here are some variations of the fire communion and other ideas on how you can celebrate the new year: https://www.uua.org/worship/holidays/new-year.