人们聚集在教堂、街头或广场，唱诗、祈祷、祝福、仟悔，并一同迎候那除旧更新的一瞬。午夜12点整，全国教堂钟声齐鸣。乐队高奏有名的怀旧歌曲《一路平安》。在音乐声中，激动的人们拥抱一起，甚至素不相识的人也可以互相亲吻。人们就这样怀着惜别的感伤和对新生活的向往共同迎来新的一年。

美国人还有一个有意思的习惯，就是在新年许愿立志，他们称之为“新年决心”。这决心通常不是什么宏图大志，而是一些朴实而实际的打算。他们总是坦率地讲给大家听，以期得到监督和鼓励。美国人除夕夜常常是回望旧年总结过往的时候，当然更重要的是展望来年，立下决心的时候。让我们一起想想自己需要改善及做出改变的地方，为来年立下新的计划。你的新年计划是否在美国人的新年计划TOP10上呢?

1. Spend More Time with Family & Friends

花更多时间陪伴家人和朋友

近期美国有多项调查显示超过一半的美国人决心要更珍惜他们所爱的人，要花更多时间陪伴家人和朋友。工作不应事事优先!

Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year. Make plans to meet up with friends for an evening of comaraderie at a favorite Pittsburgh restaurant or take the family to one of these popular Pittsburgh places for family fun. Work shouldn't always come first!

2. Fit in Fitness

保持健康的身材

研究表明锻炼身体能降低癌症几率，延长寿命，有利减轻体重，调节情绪，降低血压，甚至改善关节炎症状。总之，锻炼身体能让你保持健康体态，神清气爽。

The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better. Why not make this the time to start getting in shape for one of these popular Pittsburgh Area Charity Walks, Runs or Rides-

3. Tame the Bulge

“抚平”赘肉

在最近的调查里，超过66%的美国成年人超重或者属于肥胖。所以说减肥是一个最流行的新年计划也就不足为奇了。

Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese by recent studies, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds.

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