For Auburn and Alabama, Nov. 27 Is the Real New Year's Day

The new year: a time of reflection, evaluation, thankfulness, and most importantly, a new outlook on the year ahead. 

There's a rumor going around that New Year's Day is on Jan. 1. That could be true for the rest of the nation, but not around these parts, and by "these parts," of course I mean the great state of Alabama.

Around here, New Year's Day might as well be called Iron Bowl Day.

This is the day when Auburn and Alabama faithful alike start fresh, for better or worse. 

Anything is possible. The sky's the limit. This year will be the best yet. 

There's one problem: These clichés shall only apply to half the state. That, of course, is the half whose beloved football team comes out victorious on Iron Bowl—check that, New Year's Day.

For those fortunate enough to cheer for the victors, only good times are ahead. For those not so lucky, to say the year will seem like an eternity would be a gross understatement.

It's kind of a yin-yang effect. Those feeling the joy and jubilation are the same ones directly causing pain and misery for the other half. And the misery always seems equal to the joy, no matter which team is victorious. It's quite a vicious cycle we put ourselves through. 

I would be remiss if I did not give some credence to the thought that hope springs eternal. For every New Year's Day in the state brings hope, win or lose.

As I watched the 36-0 UA tune-up for the SEC Championship last year, I was angry. I was embarrassed.  I tried to be apathetic (which would work for mere seconds at a time, tops). But you know what? Not one day later I was already daydreaming of the joys that might come next New Year's Day. 

While I have not had to deal with the pain of hearing it on a daily basis from my fellow statesmen since I have relocated one state over, I have not forgotten the pain nor the happiness that comes with either being the victor or the defeated. 

I grew up right in the middle of it, so I know the ups and down all too well. I'll admit, for every verbal jab I've taken, I've thrown two. For every "wait 'til next year," I've come back with a "Why wait? Let 'em play right now. We'll just pound you again."

So, as we sit on the eve of what I consider the real new year, let's reflect on Iron Bowls past, the times we've had, and the smack we've talked. Come this time tomorrow, we'll all be embarking on a new beginning—one that will no doubt be gut-wrenching, exciting, and a little surreal to us all. 

Either way, let's all help make it a good one. 

Have a Happy New Year everyone!

Oh yeah, have a wonderful actual Thanksgiving, too. 

It's back to the turkey for me.