What Are the Most Famous Brands on December 31st and January 1st?

When you think of New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, what brands stand out? While there are many that come to mind, here are my three favorite brands for this celebratory evening and morning.

CITY OF NEW YORK
Every year on the final day of the year, everyone's attention is on the city known as "The Big Apple." New York City has hosted a memorable New Year's Eve party every year since 1907, with the exception of 1942 and 1943. Hundreds of thousands flock to Times Square to watch a truly brilliant event: the crystal ball drop as the final seconds of the year tick away toward midnight, ushering in a new year. 

According to the Times Square website: "Thanks to satellite technology, a worldwide audience estimated at over one billion people watch the ceremony each year. The lowering of the Ball has become the world's symbolic welcome to the New Year."

WATERFORD
The famous ball drop at New York City's Times Square is comprised of 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles that vary in size. 

According to the Times Square website: "For Times Square 2022, 192 Waterford Crystal triangles introduce the new Gift of Wisdom design represented by a central wheel with wedge cut petals of knowledge growing ever forward. 192 are the Gift of Happiness design of a sunburst of bright cuts radiating outward like a beautiful sunny day brings warm smiles and happiness. 192 are the Gift of Goodwill design represented by three pineapples signifying the traditional symbol of hospitality and goodwill. 192 are the Gift of Harmony design of small rosette cuts flowing into each other in beautiful harmony. 192 are the Gift of Serenity design of butterflies flying peacefully above a crystal meadow capturing the spirit of serenity. 192 are the Gift of Kindness design of a circle of rosettes symbolizing unity with the fronds reaching out in an expression of kindness. 192 are the Gift of Wonder design of a faceted starburst inspiring our sense of wonder. 192 are the Gift of Fortitude design of diamond cuts on either side of a crystal pillar to represent the inner attributes of resolve, courage, and spirit necessary to triumph over adversity. The remaining 1,152 triangles are the Gift of Imagination design of a series of intricate wedge cuts that are mirrored reflections of each other, inspiring our imagination."

For fun facts about the history of the Times Square Ball, check out this link: https://www.timessquarenyc.org/times-square-new-years-eve/nye-history-times-square-ball.

ROSE PARADE
Early in the morning on New Year's Day, the attention of the world shifts from the east coast to the west coast to a suburb north of Downtown Los Angeles due to a parade, but not just any parade. The annual Rose Parade is hosted by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. 

According to Wikipedia, "First held on January 1, 1890, hundreds of thousands of spectators watch the Rose Parade in person, and millions more watch it on television - both in the United States and in more than 100 international territories and countries worldwide. The Rose Bowl college football game was added in 1902 to help fund the cost of staging the parade."

Whichever brands stand out to you as you get ready to begin 2023, I wish you a happy and health New Year!


Image Credits: City of New York and the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.