My preferred way to welcome the New Year is with a bit of music and dancing, like the Woodland Bear family pictured above, celebrating with a Round Reel of Eight. In past years a piper led us around the block at midnight and a young dark-haired stranger was invited to be the first over the threshold on our return.Every year on January 1 we go for a walk
along to the park, where crowds gather
to watch this celebration of the New Year:
2010 is the 25th anniversary of the Polar Bear Dip here at Coronation Park, hundreds line up to run into the freezing waters and the more normal thousands of us line the shore to cheer them on.Since 1995 the funds raised go to World Vision Canada, this year in support of water projects in Kahi, Rwanda.
Most mortal dippers make the plunge and then beat a hasty retreat to the shore and their towels and blankets. 
The occasional naiad seems unconcerned,
Most mortal dippers make the plunge and then beat a hasty retreat to the shore and their towels and blankets. 
The occasional naiad seems unconcerned,
and for others it's just a regular walk in the park.
No polar bear myself, I'll stick to dancing.Wishing you all a safe, happy and sometimes magical year.
