Want some Good Luck for 2010?

Happy Monday everybody! With the new year quickly approaching, it's time to reflect back on the past year...and more importantly, look forward at the upcoming year! If you're like most people I know, you are probably ready for this year to be over. And as we move into 2010...wouldn't you like to be prepared? Wouldn't you like to do everything in your power to make sure 2010 is the best year yet? Well look no further...I've gathered a few of my all-time favorite New Year's traditions that are sure to bring you whatever you're hoping for in the new year.

Starting off with my favorite, Blackeyed Peas (and I mean the ones you eat). This is a tradition that my husband and I have done for years. Blackeyed Peas have long been a Southern tradition for the New Years table. They supposedly bring good luck for the coming year, and eating them shows "humility". Most people cook them with a ham hock or ham bone, but we like ours with onions, garlic and mushrooms. And if you sprinkle some chives (or anything green) on top...this will bring you good fortune too!

This next tradition is too good not to share (and one I will definitely be partaking in). In Mexico, Brazil, and many other Latin countries...people wear specific colors of underwear, according to their new years wish. Yellow underwear is supposed to bring you good fortune and MONEY!

Red underwear is said to bring you good luck, Pink will bring you luck in LOVE and White underwear will bring you good health. Or...if you need good luck in all areas of your life, perhaps you should invest in a pair of multi-colored underwear. ;-)

Another unique tradition is the Anos Viejos (Old Years) in Ecuador. Elaborate effigies are created to represent people and events from the past year. The dummies are made of straw, newspaper, and old clothes, with papier-mâché masks. Often they are also stuffed with fire crackers. At midnight the effigies are lit on fire to symbolize burning away of the past year and welcoming of the New Year.

A popular tradition in many Latin countries is eating 12 grapes when the clock strikes midnight. One grape for every stroke of the clock to represent each month in the year. Each grape is said to bring good luck in the new year. I wonder if drinking wine counts?

And finally, Puerto Rico. In this lively country, children throw pails of water out their windows at midnight. They believe that this rids their home of any evil spirits!

As you can see, there are many ways to ensure good luck for the new year! Every country does it a little bit differently, but overall...we're all shooting for the same thing.

So for 2010, I wish you a happy and healthy year filled with lots of luck, love, and good fortune! Come New Years, you can find me eating blackeyed peas and grapes and wearing red & yellow underwear. And if it's around midnight, i suggest staying clear of my windows! :)

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!! xoxo Carlee