What is The Proper Etiquitte and Length Of Time For Saying...

Etiquette? Pah! I think we're old enough to say Happy New Year right through til Easter and beyond if we so choose! In fact, I might say Merry Christmas on Valentine's Day, just to baffle them all! Seriously, it's a good question. I think people say it for up to a month - especially if they bump into you after not seeing you for a while. I'm going to take note of the latest date someone says it to me ... and report back!

HI Pye: for me personally I think I'm all "happied" out LOL!! Sick of saying it already and for sure sick of typing it, ha!! so I'm done too!!!!

well, for me i only say it for the first week of january... after that, i won't say it anymore... i just feel weird if i have to say those greetings for too long... take care and have a nice day...

I hope that the happy new year lasts all year long and not on the first day of January only. Happy new year to all.

I normally don't say it after New Years Day. If someone says it to me then I will respond with Happy New Year, but other than that I don't say it.

As little as possible in my opinion, it really gets on my nerves and luckily I have only had to say it to my grandma!!

Where I live the Happy New Year stuff usually last for about the whole month. Nothing major just casual questions and well wishes. How is your new year, hope you have a good year and stuff like that. My only gripe is waiting on the neighbors grandkids to finish off all the fireworks. I think they bought the entire fireworks stand and set half of them off under my bedroom window last night. Kept my husband up all night until he decided to get up and just go to work before the day was even over with.

I don't think it matters when you say it as long as its the first time you see someone (even in June if necessary). However I do not think you should wish anyone a 'Happy New Year' before it happens. The day before new Year is Hogmany, so you could wish someone a Happy Hogmany on the 31st of December. Of course a lot of different cultures have their own New Year, scattered throughout the year, January 26 this year. Some Other New Years are Maori New Year 24 June 2009, Jewish New Year 19 - 20 September 2009 (Year 5770) Muslim New Year 18 December 2009 - (1431 AH) so you can have plenty of choice in wishing people a 'new Year' throughout the year. And a Happy New Year to You. Lang May Your Lum Reek!!

I am not really sure... I would say... if it is a stranger... for the next 7 days. If it is someone you know... for the next two weeks. If it is a good friend... for the whole month. Happy New Year by the way. lol

Once January 1st has passed, I stop saying it. I start about a week before New Years as well.

Well, I guess it depends on how frequently you see a some people. But by the end of January, it probably becomes a bit ludicrous.

um..i would say not longer than the 3rd. after that you have to wonder when their new year celebration stopped

I think for the first few weeks if you have not seen the person since the change of the new year. You do not want to continue to wish them Happy new year if you see them in the hallway all the time then they will know you are an idiot. heehee

[b]Heavens to Murgatroid...I never thought about this. MY best guess would be to say it to someone the first time you see them after New Years Day, (If you hadn't seen them on NYD,, i.e.) up to maybe a month. After that, I'd just start asking them how the new year's going for them, & let that be a conversation starter. Two months in, I'd stop doing even that. Just my tuppence. Maggiepie[/b]

"but how many days afterward does one continue to wish a Happy New Year to people you bump into without being an idiot"? Hahaha your so funny. I won't say it anymore unless someone I bump into says it to me first, then I'll reply.

That's funny that you started this discussion for I was in similar territory wondering when to take my "Happy New Year" flag down and put up a winter one or even "Happy Valentines Day" because it's soon after the New Year. lol I'll be watching to see what kind of answers you get.... Good one pye!

Happy New Year!!! .........i'm good. i'm done saying it here, i think i've pretty much said it to everyone. anybody i haven't seen yet in the real world get about a 1 week extension to get a HNY. let's get on with it already,

I would think a week on either side. Once you're further away than that, it sounds silly. JMHO

In theory, if you haven't seen somebody since 2008, the first time you see them in 2009 it should be ok to wish them a Happy New Year. When you start feeling silly saying it, then it's time to stop, especially if it's a long-winded friend. It only points out to them that they have a lot to say to you...lol.

Hi pye, I usually leave those stock phrases alone as much as possible. There is just something boring about everyone saying the same thing to everyone all the time. I don't know, maybe I am just the original scrooge.