Auld Lang Syne | January 2026

To the past & to the future

I’ve got to start with an apology: I’m sorry I haven’t shared a monthly thought for quite some time. My actual day job has interfered, you see with doing things that are actually meaningful—like sharing a thought with you to set our intentions for the month, and year, ahead.

I don’t know why, maybe because I’m Jewish and don’t really have big celebrations for the Gregorian New Year, or maybe because I’m American, but the Scottish song Auld Lang Syne, old long since, wasn’t really something I was familiar with until—I know behind the times my wife and I finally got around to watching Downton Abbey. And yes, this is me typing, not ChatGPT, I actually use em dashes.

As you (hopefully) know, the final scene is everyone singing Auld Lang Syne after the clock struck twelve. Written by Robert Burns in 1788, but based on something older, it bids farewell to those who are no longer with us. The tune is hauntingly beautiful.

I’d like to share with you my favorite version, sung by The Choral Scholars of University College Dublin. Feel free to follow along with the lyrics, below.

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and auld lang syne?

Chorus

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!

and surely I’ll buy mine!

And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

Chorus

We two have run about the hills,

and picked the daisies fine;

But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,

since auld lang syne.

Chorus

We two have paddled in the stream,

from morning sun till dine;

But seas between us broad have roared

since auld lang syne.

Chorus

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!

And give me a hand o’ thine!

And we’ll take a right goodwill draught,

for auld lang syne.

Chorus

I think if I ever had to argue for the essential goodness of humanity, exhibit A would be the comments section of this video:

• I’m crying. This was so beautiful, so touching. Happy New Year 2026 to all of my fellow human beings❤

• Like Angels singing, absolutely beautiful.

• Happy New Year, fellow earthlings. May 2026 be kind and may your cups and hearts be always full.

At a time when there are so many of us on the planet, and it often feels so divided, let’s remember that we all have loved ones. We all miss those who are no longer with us. We hope to do them proud.

We all love to be loved.

Happy New Year.