Because it's been institutionalized as "FUN". And then you can tell your co-workers Tuesday that you were there. People really looked like they were having fun, despite the extreme cold, in the 3 minutes I spent watching the ball drop live. I did a big batch of laundry, warmed up some dinner, and will now watch Netflix. In a nice cozy warm home. Mmmm.
I looked this up, and they’ve been doing this since 1907 ! I never would have guessed anything before the 1920’s, and would more likely have thought the 30’s or 40’s. Actually, it was skipped in ‘42 and ‘43 because of wartime “dim out” rules.
So ... TRADITION!
Seriously? I get the cozy factor, but still,... it’s NYC — and you know it’s magical.
Well, I’ll never begrudge anybody having some fun that harms no one else.....happy new year!