Every year, the dawn of January 1 brings with it not only the promise of new beginnings but also traditions and celebrations marking the occasion. This year was no exception, as people across the country welcomed the New Year with joy, alongside some notable celebrations and resolutions.
At St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon, West Virginia, the first baby born in 2025 was Cora Grace Cunningham, who arrived at 1:23 PM on New Year’s Day. Proud parents Tatum Conner and David Cunningham II celebrated her birth, with Cora weighing 8 pounds and 6.5 ounces, and measuring 21 inches long. According to hospital staff, this special event included warm welcomes from the St. Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary, which presented the family with a basket of gifts and a gift certificate. Hospital team members, including nurses and the Chief Nursing Officer, gathered to share the momentous occasion with the family.
Meanwhile, across the country, Arthur Brown of Alexandria has cultivated quite the unique tradition over the last 25 years. Known for his artistic flair, Brown uses his lawn trimmer to create elaborate designs on his front yard to mark the start of each New Year. This year, he chose to embellish his lawn with designs inspired by nature and whimsical themes, including “birds,” window panes, and even something he calls his “COVID design.” Brown emphasized the significance of this milestone year, describing 2025 as his “sterling anniversary” for this quirky artistic endeavor.
“The birds ate all my seeds up. The only thing I did was just kind of carve it out a little bit,” Brown reflected on the unexpected contributions from his neighborhood wildlife. He insists on using winter rye grass for his designs, ensuring they hold until spring. Brown's efforts are not just for his enjoyment; he hopes to inspire others to join him, encouraging creativity among his neighbors. “I sure would like to see what somebody else can do,” he stated. Such efforts encapsulate the spirit of New Year’s, where the community can come together, even if it starts with one quirky lawn design at a time.
The practice of making New Year’s resolutions has historical roots traceable to ancient Babylon, where people made oaths to pay their debts and return borrowed items during the 12-day festival recognizing the New Year. This age-old tradition has transformed significantly, with modern variations focusing on personal development and improvement. Studies reveal nearly half of Americans make resolutions at the start of each year, but interestingly, less than 10% succeed in keeping them.
Despite the common struggle with resolutions, this New Year still offered opportunities for reflection—prompting many to focus on self-improvement, fitness, or time management. There are several cities across the country which have been identified as ideal locations for successfully keeping resolutions, offering resources and lifestyles conducive to such commitments. These places are positioned to support individuals seeking to exercise more, save money, or build healthier habits.
This time of year is not just about individual resolutions and births, but also about collective spirit and culture. The various celebrations—whether it be welcoming new life, cultivating community creativity, or renewing personal commitments—illustrate the diverse ways individuals and families mark the start of the year. From heartfelt moments shared at hospitals to community lawn art, every celebration encapsulates the theme of new beginnings.
Traditions like the birth of the New Year’s first baby and the creative lawn presentations serve as reminders of the joy and unity found within communities. Regardless of the personal resolutions each of us may face, together, there’s something beautifully compelling about starting anew. With each passing year, the memories and stories shared during New Year's Day continue to shape the cultural fabric, inviting both reflection on the past and hope for the future.