Today is the
best day. People in suits and beautiful dresses gather down below while they
whisper and talk excitedly. Shining my brightest, I look down and cover
everyone with my best light. Each one of my 450 individually crafted crystals
sparkles as the light hits it and refracts it around the enormous hall. It is
my proudest moment as the hotel’s grandest chandelier.
The
orchestra has already started playing, but few people are dancing at the
moment. It’s still early. Men and women with trays of hors d’oeuvres file in
and disperse among the guests. Champagne sparkles in glasses almost as bright
as me. By the time midnight rolls around, everyone will be feeling its effects
at the countdown of the New Year.
The
ballroom at the hotel always looks grand, but extra effort is made for the
holiday. It’s my favorite time to see new hope on everyone’s faces. Talking and
laughter grow louder as more and more people arrive. The dance floor is
starting to fill up now as well as the small tables scattered around the edges.
Couples lean in close to each other as they discuss their plans for the new
year, each one hoping for a kiss at midnight.
By the time
eleven o’clock arrives, the noise level has risen considerably. The flow of
champagne has done its work, and the party buzzes with excitement. The
orchestra takes a break, and music blasts through speakers placed throughout
the hall.
Finally, at
ten minutes to midnight, the excitement has built up into an audible hum, even though
the music has paused. Various people take the stage to talk about how this next
year will be so much better than the last. Seconds before midnight, the entire
hall counts down to the new year. When they reach zero, confetti and streamers
are released from the ceiling and fall down onto the upturned faces below.
The party
continues for another hour as people start to trickle out. Pretty soon, all
that’s left are the tired staff as they clean up the considerable mess that’s
left. It’s nearing four in the morning when the lights are at last turned off
and my brilliance falls into darkness.
If I could
sigh right now, I would. Another New Year’s party is over. There are many other
events throughout the year, of course, but none of them ever feel like this
one. What’s my wish for the New Year? For this year to pass swiftly until the
next New Year’s Eve.
