![1.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/iamboring/23wC7dv5NfWDV9KiNa2aQzmFxtCtK9NcXVUarimJeDSSujsNWT23MBTWE28gzzsjoY68b.png) In our tradition, celebrating New Year is essential as it is closely tied to our family values. It is also the perfect time to express gratitude for the blessings we received in 2025. The biggest thing I learned in life is that we should move on from the past, cherish the present, and look forward to the future. Even though my family and I have unavoidable conflicts, what makes our connection stronger is cherishing the little moments. In this blog, I would like to share how we welcomed another year in our lives. Without further ado, let’s get started. # Preparing the Foods ![2.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/iamboring/23vsNg4psQg6kkKZJLVx2Zezzwd2guZEyMixP4k5voVpzWQkWu2bHzw4fydyEvrpLnLiQ.png) After I went out of the bedroom, I saw my mom making puto again. She was also busy preparing kutsinta and biko. My mother also cooked chicken adobo, but I requested before the celebration that she prepare fried chicken instead. It was not enough to prepare all our desired foods in just one day. Therefore, my mom prepared homemade ice cream and fruit salad in advance. While she was busy, I helped her wash the dishes. I also accompanied my father in organizing the sound system. # Delivering the Foods ![3.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/iamboring/23w2iyThEYkz36jpCEbi16znPy3xHer2CuCsQppAGqvvsL8sVF31LXUZw7Ap1omFwPHCQ.png) At six in the evening, we delivered puto and kutsinta to my aunt together with my sibling. Before we left the house, she offered us toasted bread with peanut butter. We paired it with coffee as well. On the other hand, she also gave us a tub of graham without mango, which we consumed. # Preparing the Design ![4.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/iamboring/23uQp2SexG4HUi6kFjXUZQmsSDDns3GGf8JjYPM3BvvNgVMjyx4CfyqAUVuPU7rfrArX9.png) Before preparing the food and taking family photos, we decorated our DIY set-up. As you can see, our design was plain and simple. We bought a curtain from an online shop with “Happy New Year” printed on it. Then, we attached it using double-sided adhesive tape along with other decorations. While we were putting up the curtain, my mother blew the balloons using a balloon pump. On the other hand, I inflated the gold-colored 2026 balloon using an improvised straw made by cutting a used ballpen ink chamber. My mom also linked the balloons together like a flower using a ribbon. # Organizing the Foods ![5.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/iamboring/23vi21Kea9hHf4YyC4hZpnCx8FpMV3Sz3ujtSpZgdRAehCayAmMPrNY3s72Ya3GPeYg6Z.png) After setting up the New Year’s backdrop, we arranged the food on the table and took photos of each dish. As you can see in the photo, we had kutsinta, puto, spaghetti, chicken adobo, biko, San Pedro’s lechong manok, and Chooks-to-Go lechong manok. We also had various round fruits that I knew we would mostly use as decoration. I later realized that we had tasty bread and mayonnaise that we did not consume at all. We also took out the prepared homemade ice cream with graham on top, fruit salad, and two bottles of Coca-Cola from the fridge. # Picture Taking ![6.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/iamboring/23x1DkeLFUTJD97czzsSjthLXifQxhpUXcp4LX5Qwine1LXBbvf1rMgUcgkFxBKQWjZLg.png) As part of our tradition, we took photos first before eating. We even took some photos during the daytime. Our family’s uniform color this year was red. Likewise, my father, siblings, and I wore the same T-shirt. Once finished, we prayed in our living room to thank God for the blessings we received this year. # Karaoke ![7.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/iamboring/23wqgbDKh9CxfmzP7hsVmTwKbCA8YsppgnkuhYB84cYJUaFjfnsgEGR6YvDhBFbhRp8YC.png) While I was busy writing my 2026 New Year’s resolutions, my parents and siblings were busy singing. I also sang in front of the TV while they were preparing the decorations. I would probably sing nonstop if there were prizes for getting a score of 100. But in our case, we just sang along using YouTube videos. # Manifesting ![manifesting.gif](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/iamboring/241tSXQDF2LAiDTbFfmKSu4tTFGe7c53Y5ketkFGqSfQGB68egRWzMbwCZyFhjH4PX8nU.gif) Before ending my 2025, I intentionally wrote all my manifestations in my diary. I wrote the things I wanted to achieve for 2026. I also prepared 12 grapes in a small bowl because I wanted to follow the famous TikTok trend. They said I should eat green grapes, but my mom only bought violet ones. I saw some content creators who ate violet grapes and still became successful. Two minutes before 2026, I went under the table and placed my journal beneath it. Once the countdown ended, I shouted “Happy New Year” and immediately ate my grapes. While doing so, I solemnly read all my life manifestations.

# Watching Fireworks and Firing Sparklers

![fireworks display.gif](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/iamboring/23tv8s5JEE7zUWyMJ44HX9k2Xkv1zyEysuNEW5uMFHj9BW3dWi4vcUBhVqY5pStbSurBA.gif)

![firework setup.gif](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/iamboring/23t77MEou9qwhCG5ridwTU7oNXnzoSZYtGWG3epK5GMwjW6y8xnp1bbbgw8t4RQhZSR2b.gif)

As expected, my family members were busy making noise outside. We also watched the fireworks display from our municipality. On the other hand, my younger sibling lit the sparklers, or lusis in Filipino. I was expecting more, but the results were not bad at all.

Here is my entry for ASEAN Hive's Week #184 "New Year's Celebrations" prompt. Thank you for reading.