New year, weather lore, garden planning

Daily Newsletter for Friday, December 30, 2016

Dear Almanac readers, 

With bounteous cheer, we conclude the year! Time to close the old Almanac and the old Year, and leave the old vices ever so dear.

In this Companion, enjoy New Year's musings on weather folklore, traditions from around the world, and the ancient practice of reflection and resolution. 

And may you start the year right with The 2017 Old Farmer's Almanac! It's our 225th special anniversary edition, packed with extra stories to mark this remarkable milestone.

As our founder Robert B. Thomas said, "Begin the new year square with every man"—and woman!

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2017! 

Your Almanac Editors

We've had some pleasant rambles,
And merry Christmas gambols,
And roses with our brambles,
Adieu, old year, adieu!
–George Lunt
Friday, December 30, 2016
365th day of the year


Matt Lauer (journalist) was born on this day in 1957.
Artie Shaw (jazz clarinetist and bandleader) died on this day in 2004.
 

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What's Your New Year Tradition?

New Year Traditions From Around the World
Many New Year traditions that we take for granted actually date back to ancient times. This year, ring out the old and ring in the new with a new New Year tradition—or two!
  READ MORE  
 
2017 Almanac Gardening Page-a-Day Calendar

This informative page-a-day calendar is filled with Almanac wit, wisdom, adages, and observations for gardeners and backyard naturalists.
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$14.99
 
New Year Weather Lore

New Year’s Day Weather Folklore
A new year is always ripe with possibilities. Though we have our forecasts, we also enjoy the tradition of looking to winter weather folklore.
  READ MORE  
 
Almanac Commemorative Coin

Commissioned to celebrate our 225th anniversary. Each coin is individually numbered, part of a limited edition of 1,792, and comes with its own protective display case. Makes a unique gift!
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$15.95
 
Easy Garden Planner Software

Vegetable Garden Planner for PC and Mac
Let The Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Planner help you to plan your entire garden! Get a free week’s trial of the world’s #1 garden planning software. 
  READ MORE  
 
The 2017 Old Farmer's Almanac Country Calendar

Scenic photographs, country musings, fun facts, humor, and advice. Plus best days to fish, plant, set eggs, harvest crops, and cut hay.
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$10.99
 
New Year's Punch?

Holiday Drink Recipes
From holiday punch to wassail, we have tasty drink recipes to wet your whistle! Invite your friends and family to share these fragrant and memorable brews.
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2017 Old Farmer's Almanac Special Anniversary Paperback Classic Edition

This is the original Almanac, the one with the hole. Pick from National, Canadian, Southern, and Western regional editions.
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$6.99
 
New Year Resolutions

10 Tips on Making (and Keeping) New Year's Resolutions
New Year’s resolutions have a long history. Why do we have New Year’s resolutions? And how do we keep keep them? Here are 10 tips on making (and keeping) resolutions.
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The 2017 Old Farmer's Almanac Best-Loved Recipes Calendar

There’s always something cooking at The Old Farmer’s Almanac. A collection of fine recipes and beautiful photography, with tips and advice. These traditional favorites will please all tastes.
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$9.99