Every year I try to give New Year’s Eve a chance to redeem itself, and every year it disappoints me in some way.

Don’t get me wrong; last night was fun. But I find the NYE traditions oddly depressing.

For instance, the societal ritual of rampant drinking. I recognize that alcohol is customary during celebratory occasions (though I do not entirely understand why), and it seems acceptable that one would have a few drinks to ring in the new year. But when you’re stumbling all over the place and can hardly move your feet in a fashion that resembles walking (let alone can walk in a straight line as is the usual test), there is something glaringly wrong. Not only with the drunkard, but also with society.

Why do people feel the need to drink themselves to waste on New Year’s Eve? Was 2011 really that bad? And even if it wasn’t, and you’re either drinking because you enjoy the “buzz” or because everyone else is also drinking, what is the point? Why would you spend all this time and money on New Year’s parties if you won’t even remember the night when you arise the next morning?

My sober New Year’s Eve last night at the fair was enjoyable for the most part. Although I do not condone drinking, watching wasted people embarrass themselves while dancing enthusiastically to cover bands is amusing to say the least.* Plus, although pricey, the food was awesome, and there is no denying that. I certainly loved watching the firework display with a strawberry-banana-Nutella dessert crepe in my hand, and I even had a fun time busting some moves with the others to classic ’80s hits.

But contrary to popular opinion, you can enjoy yourself without alcohol and wake up in the morning with your memories intact. No pounding headache or nausea included. Imagine that.

*even if the concept of cover bands saddens me. Just imagine forming a band with the sole intent of entertaining nostalgic adults eager to relive their glory days. Then add the bitter reality of how your original material isn’t good enough, so you’re forced to live vicariously through another band’s renowned identity. Sometimes I stop to wonder what kinds of lives these people lead offstage.