On The Silly Side by Jimmy Del Ponte 

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

When I think of New Year’s, the first thing that comes to mind is resolutions. This year, I am not making any. Instead, I will put a few things on the “suggestion list” and try to improve myself on several fronts. The obvious ones are more exercise, less junk food, and more patience. I always forget to count to ten. That just about covers me. New Year’s Eve is a time for having fun with family and friends.

I remember back in the 70’s playing in the band at some of the Dilboy Post’s New Year’s Eve parties years ago. There were also celebrations at most of the nightclubs and bars around the city. I recall taking shopping bags full of left over Chinese food, complete with a gallon jug of duck sauce home at the end of the night. Ming Toy restaurant had an easy delivery on New Year’s Eve that year because it was across the street from the Post in Davis Square.

The songs we were playing back then were I’m Your BoogieMan, the theme from Rocky, and a song that I have played 200 times if I played it once, (Wasted Away Again In) Margaritaville. Of course, we had to throw in The Hully Gully, The Tennessee Waltz, The Chicken Dance, The Hustle and some slow schmaltzy songs like My Way and After The Lovin’. Those slow songs always packed the dance floor. We would countdown to midnight, and then play Auld Lang Sine. Then it was time for the kissing! We always ended the night with God Bless America.

We sometimes would rent a room for New Year’s Eve. Hotel rooms were great, especially since they came with that huge porcelain cooler that doubled as a bathtub. That was the safe, smart way to go. Stay in one place until New Year’s Day. For the last few years the kids and I would go out to eat, or order in, and then try to stay awake until the “ball dropped.” Watching Dick Clark was a New Year’s Eve tradition for a while.

One of the best New Year’s Eve’s was when Grandpa Al stayed over with us. That was one of our best memories of Grandpa. We would deck ourselves out with glitter hats and noisemakers. We actually used a lot of the same ones year after year. This year, for the first time, my kids have plans that don’t include Daddy-O. First Night? Crowds of wild and crazy (and tipsy) people? No thanks. If I want to see big hunks of ice I will go on line and google “icebergs.” I enjoy the ice sculptures more when they start to melt.

Just saying 2012 sounds strange. We have come a long way, one year at a time. Most of us have lived through the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Holy mackerel! Some of you have lived through the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s also. Cool! What a great time to be alive. We lived through a lot of the most colorful decades ever. Just look at the music and movies and trends that have come out in our lifetimes. Some of us, like me and a lot of my friends, got into just about every crazy trend that came along, like bellbottom pants and peace signs, followed by Member’s Only jackets and feathered haircuts. We had the best decades of entertainers that’s for sure. How cool was growing up with The Rat Pack, Elvis and the Beatles? Thankfully today we have the group, LMFAO! Party rock is in the house tonight!

They call New Year’s Eve “amateur night” because some people overdo it. That’s why it’s a great idea to stay put on the big night. I am afraid to be on the roads on New Year’s Eve because of “the other guy.” Please find yourself a designated driver. Then find yourself a special person and make sure you share that traditional New Year’s Eve midnight kiss. And if you are a traditional Italian family, like a lot of my friends, enjoy the tons of fish, pasta and desserts.

Put the iPhone down for a while and enjoy some real human interaction. 2012 is going to be a great year.

If you order Chinese food, be sure to ask for extra duck sauce. Be careful out there and I will see you all next year.

Don’t forget the Three Stooges Marathon is on Channel 38 on New Year’s Eve.