Ok, I know there’s the parties, the resolutions and a new beginning and all that. But the one thing I always have a problem with is how long into the New Year do I have to say “Happy New Year.”

Now this Happy New Year thing is nice, but it does get old pretty quick. Every year I go through this same dilemma, how long do I have to say it.

Someone once told me that your still required to say it even if you see someone for the first time in February.

A few years ago a friend of mine (who I see a few times a month) and I decided to say it to each other all year long. It became a fun joke and we really got some strange looks from people especially when we ran into each other six or seven months into the year.

Now I’ve done some research and found these answers to this age old question:

  • The rule of thumb is Jan. 6.
  • After you have already wished that person a Happy New Year.
  • A few days later is okay. Anything after that, it’s over with.
  •  After the second of January. 
  • Depends on when you see the person. Mid-Jan seems to be the cut off for that as well

So, it seems like early or the latest mid-January is the best time to knock this Happy New Year thing off.

More practically, how about if we all agree to only say it for the first two weeks of the year … deal?

Hope this article stimulates a little conversation as we head into 2019, and oh by the way, “Happy New Year!” 

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