Happy New Year!

Judging by the many needles a certain North Carolinian pine tree is currently shedding in my living room I'd say Christmas is officially over. But that doesn't mean we have to stop partying. Have no fear, New Year's Eve is here! So what do folks in Bermuda do to celebrate the champagne-soaked night? Many of us head to the City of Hamilton where we watch a giant illuminated onion plunge to the ground at the stroke of midnight. Yes, you've read correctly. This is no Waterford crystal ball, ala New York's Times Square. It's an onion. More specifically, a Bermuda onion, which if you're wondering is sweeter than most and in fact, makes an excellent bowl of onion soup. The Bermudian tradition began in the east end town of St. George's 13 years ago but dwindling budgets moved it to the island's capital in Hamilton, where apparently, it's inspired other towns to do the same. Case in point: Easton, Maryland, where the blue crab-crazy population now drops a giant illuminated crab, a ceremony invented after two of its residents saw the onion drop to the ground while vacationing in Bermuda. That's it above, and I've gotta say, it's an inspiring sight. Go Easton! And to everyone else out there, Happy New Year! Here's to great things in 2011.