Soldiers from the 528th Hospital Center on Fort Bliss,

New Year's celebrations have a long history dating back to ancient civilizations. The earliest recorded New Year's celebration is believed to have been held by the ancient Babylonians around 2000 BCE. They held a celebration called Akitu, which lasted for 11 days and marked the beginning of the new year, the return of the goddess Ishtar, and the re-creation of the world. The ancient Romans also celebrated the new year, although their calendar was different from the one we use today. The Roman calendar originally began on March 1, and the new year was celebrated on the vernal equinox, which is the first day of spring. The Roman calendar was later changed by Julius Caesar to begin on January 1, and this change was eventually adopted by most Western civilizations. New Year's celebrations have been held on January 1 in many cultures around the world, including in Western Europe, the Americas, and Asia. In many cultures, New Year's is a time for people to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the new year. It is also a time for celebration, with parties, fireworks, and other festive events. In modern times, New Year's celebrations continue to be a popular way to mark the start of a new year and to look forward to the future with hope and optimism. While both Christmas and New Year holidays are times for celebration, they have different origins and traditions. New Year's Day is a secular holiday that is celebrated around the world, while Christmas is a religious holiday that is primarily celebrated by Christians.

Santa Claus, also known as Saint Nicholas or Father Christmas, is a legendary figure who is said to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve. The modern version of Santa Claus is based on a number of historical and cultural influences, including the Dutch legend of Sinterklaas, British and American Christmas traditions, and the Christian bishop Saint Nicholas. The figure of Santa Claus as we know him today - a jolly, plump man with a white beard, red suit, and black boots - was popularized in the 19th century through the work of various writers and artists, including Clement Clarke Moore and Thomas Nast. Today, Santa Claus is a beloved symbol of the holiday season, and continues to be a source of joy and excitement for children and adults alike.