I hate NYE

Am I the only person who hates this stupid time of year?

I'm not a grinch or anything ...  I mean, even though I'm Jewish, I gave out Xmas presents to the women in my department at work (we're women in technology - we deserve special treatment!).  I'm not complaining about the holidays per se, but I absolutely definitely HATE stupid New Years Eve.

I don't know why we make such a big deal out of just another night.  We don't throw big parties every time January turns into February (Happy Birthday to our dead Presidents!) and we don't celebrate when October turns into November (even though November is MY birthday month).  So what is the big deal with New Years Eve?  It's only December turning into January ...  Aren't we inflating the unnecessarily large ego of our holiday month?  Like December needs ANOTHER reason to brag.

I've had mediocre New Years Eves and I've had bad ones.  I've even had some New Years Eves that I barely remember the next morning, which might mean they were good but might instead just mean that I had a drinking problem.  Invariably, though, the night ends up a giant disappointment.  We spend days -- nay, weeks -- planning what we're going to do, (for the ladies) what we're going to wear, and with whom we're planning to spend the evening (which usually means which lucky guy is going to be on the receiving end of the always-special New Years Eve kiss).  And after all the planning, talking, planning, discussing, and planning, we wake up the next morning wondering why we spent so much time worrying about one night. 

Someone, please -- STOP THE MADNESS!

Here's another reason why I hate New Years ...  From the Miami Herald online, this is an overview of our "party options" for the Big Night:

Karu & Y's New Year's Eve, 71 NW 14th St., Miami: It's no surprise that the priciest joint in town is offering an $800 per couple seven-course dinner. That dinner, however, includes a bottle of the restaurant's private label wine and a bottle of champagne. It also includes a Veuve Cliquot champagne toast, party favors and free admission into Tottem, the restaurant's performance venue, VIP packages are available from $500-$2,500.

New Year's at Mansion Featuring DJ AM, 1235 Washington Ave., Miami Beach: Although tabloid darlings Wilmer Valderrama and Travis Barker aren't exactly Brad and Angelina, be happy that it's not Kevin Federline. And DJ AM never disappoints, even if he remains broken up with Nicole Richie. Tickets are $250 per person for the 9 p.m.-5 a.m. affair and include premium open bar and that ubiquitous champagne toast at midnight.

New Year's at Opium/Privé with Dave Navarro, Kristin Cavallari and James Franco, 136 Collins Ave., Miami Beach: An odd mix, indeed, but colorful nonetheless -- and it'll sound good, too, with DJs Samantha Ronson, Irie and Vice. Surprise special guests are also expected. Tickets are $150 per person and include open bar from 9 p.m.-midnight and that champagne toast.

DKNY Jeans New Year's Eve Bash at the Setai, 2001 Collins Ave., Miami Beach: Both Duff sisters -- singer Hillary and 7th Heaven star Haylie -- join Jessica Alba at this swanky, sceney party with The OC's Ben McKenzie and DJs Steve Aoki, Exacta and M.O.S.  Tickets are $300 general admission and go all the way up to $6,500 for a VIP bungalow for 15. 

NYE 07 at Social Miami at the Sagamore, 1671 Collins Ave., Miami Beach: A $250 ticket gets you premium open bar from 9 p.m.-2 a.m. and hors d'oeuvres. But that's not all. There's a poolside performance by Ludacris. For $350, you'll get VIP seating, a bottle of premium liquor and a chef's platter for every four guests in your party. For $450, there's a five-course dinner and premium open bar from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

New Year's at Mokai, 235 23rd St., Miami Beach: The hottest new lounge in town has two seatings --one from 9:30-12:30 a.m. and the other from 1 a.m.-6 a.m. A tasting menu, champagne and liquor is included in the price. During the second seating, breakfast will be served. $150 for the first seating and $200 for the second seating. Table prices range from $1,000-$1500 for six people.

New Year's at The Fifth, 1045 Fifth St., Miami Beach: Mickey Rourke hosts the party where, for $10,000, you and 14 of your closest (and wealthiest) friends can party in the private penthouse featuring private entrance, hors d'oeuvres, party favors, security guards, stocked fridge, three magnums of champagne, and three magnums of vodka. There are also packages available for $6,000, or for just plain ol' general admission, $150, which gets you free flowing champagne from 9-10:30 p.m. and noisemaking party favors.

New Year's at The Forge and Glass, 432 41st St., Miami Beach: Everyone's favorite weasel, Pauly Shore, hosts the shindig here, where a four-course dinner with a bottle of Veuve Cliquot is $325 per person and includes party favors and The Forge's famous New Year's Breakfast Al Fresco. The party at Glass begins at 9 p.m. and goes until 7 a.m. VIP tables start at $1,200 for six guests and include a bottle of Veuve and a bottle of liquor.

Some of these celebrities don't even want to be hosting a party -- they'd rather be on an island with their own families and/or romantic partners, smooching at midnight and drinking champagne more expensive than my entire wardrobe.  If they don't want to be there, why would I?

I don't need to bankrupt myself to have a good night ....  I'd rather spend my money on some good foodstuffs, make a gorgeous and delicious meal at home, drink some sparkling wine that I know I like, smooch my honey at the stroke of 12.00, and be passed out in bed by 1.30 AM.

What's wrong with that? 

To me that sounds like the best party in town.

And no, you're not invited. ..  Unless you want to pay me $450 for entry.

Never mind.