We had the opportunity to house sit for a family who went away during New Years. We enjoyed living in a different are of Yaoundé, seeing different things. We were thankful for a quiet New Years Eve, at our home it is loud most of the time and especially loud on weekends and holidays. David and I actually made it to midnight (it’s been several years since that has happened). We were surprised when the doorbell rang at 8am. David went to the gate to find children handing him flowers yelling, “Bonne Année” (Happy New Year). David took the flowers, thanked them and came back in. Sunday night we were talking with others who have lived here for many years and recounted our New Years Day flowers. We were asked if we gave them candy or money. We said neither. Apparently, we were supposed to give candy or money to the children for the wishes and flowers. Chalk one up to another lesson learned.
D squared + J squared = Anderson 
Oh well – there is always next year, right? And how many people get flowers on New Year’s Day?
Isn’t the rose bowl parade on new year’s day? All the floats get flowers 🙂
I know what you mean about being unprepared. This past Halloween (not a day I like to celebrate anyway) all I had was a dozen 1 lbs bags of marshmallows I bought for a local organization’s hot chocolate give-away. Well, a 1-lbs bag of marshmallows can fill up an entire trick or treat bag. The kids were not happy. I told them to advise any other kids they may see heading toward my house that the only treat they’d get from me was marshmallows. No other kid rang the bell. Next year I’m sure you and I will both be better prepared for the occasions.
I’m sure marshmallows are better than a can of peas that you had in the cupboard or a can of tuna. At least they didn’t play any tricks on you for lack of candy.