I was just about to make a wish when the tree suddenly decided to "move." Well, it didn't move on its own - one of the balls fell right on my knee.

"Oh," I said to the tree, "are you trying to congratulate me in a special way?"
The ball was silent, but it looked very guilty.

I picked it up and put it back... and then the cat, who usually sleeps in a secluded corner, decided the ball was a new toy. He jumped, the ball rolled across the floor, and I almost fell over, blanket and all.

So, I ended up celebrating the New Year sitting on the floor among tangerines, candles, and a cat who watched my every move with interest. On the one hand, it was ridiculous, but on the other, it was funny and somehow very festive.

That's how my New Year taught me to laugh at the little things and embrace the holidays for what they are: sometimes quiet, sometimes crazy, but always real.