MARKET UPDATE

FROM THE DESK OF KELVIN VERRETT, YOUR EXPERT ADVISOR

6th Edition: December 30th, 2020

A NEW YEAR is a powerful occasion. It’s a time when we reflect on our gratitude for the past and our hopes for the future. It’s a chance to welcome a fresh start and to reinvigorate our enthusiasm for chasing goals and dreams. 

2020 was a year of challenges for many of us with the COVID-19 pandemic, the political turmoil, and the protests and riots that added fear and conflict which ultimately further divided us as a nation. If 2020 was a time to speak up, a time to open our eyes and a time to reflect, 2021 should be a time that we come together to grow as a nation. 

What could you do differently today that could positively impact your tomorrow? Not everyone can move mountains. After all, even mountains take thousands of years to move. However, by committing to something for many days, weeks, and months, it can amount to a major change. Mount Rushmore wasn't buit in a day either.

I've been planning my 2021 for the past few months. If you haven't done so yet, get a notebook (computer or pad) and think about what you want your future to be, then backtrack and put down the details. Don't forget to add in time frame, budget and who needs to be a part of it to make it happen. I have a separate goal list for personal and professional. If you'd like a template, let me know and I'll send you the one I use.

Let's make 2021 the year that we all come together without division. If you can, find something small each day to brighten someone else's day. You'll be surprised at how good it makes you feel. Set out to be the best you in 2021! I know I'm certainly going to give it my best effort.

Happy New Year,

Kelvin Verrett

If there is anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to reach out to my team of real estate experts. Ask the Broker!

7 Things You Never Knew About New Year's Traditions

New Year’s traditions date back to ancient times. Here’s how the holiday has evolved over the years:

1. Baby New Year is actually really old. The Baby New Year is a symbol of the holiday. It signifies the birth of the next year. The tradition started in ancient Greece back in 600 B.C. Infants were paraded around in baskets to celebrate the god, Dionysus. He’s the god of fertility and wine. The baby represents a rebirth that occurs every new year.
2. 1904 was the first Times Square party. The first New Year’s party was actually thrown for a newspaper. It was to celebrate the opening of the ‘New York Times’ building. Over 200,000 people attended.
3. There wasn’t a ball drop until 1907. Fireworks were previously used to welcome the new year. But they were banned because embers fell on the crowd. A ball being lowered on a flagpole was much safer.
4. The ball’s weight has changed. It was originally made from 700 pounds of iron and wood. It was later reduced to just 400 pounds of iron. In 1955, an aluminum frame was installed instead. It got another update in 2000. Waterford partnered with Philips to create a shimmery LED display. The ball now weighs 11,875 pounds!
5. 2,000 pounds of confetti are dropped. In 2015, “wishfetti” became a part of the tradition. People submit their wishes to Times Square’s Wish Wall. They can also be submitted online. Wishes are turned into the confetti that falls over the crowd.
6. The Romans started the kiss tradition. Romans are credited with the tradition because of their Saturnalia festival. It was a celebration honoring Saturn, the god of time. Many of the celebrations influenced the Christmas and New Year’s festivities. These became popular when Christianity took over the Roman Empire.
7. Ancient Babylonians celebrate in March. The new year used to coincide with the arrival of spring. A 12-day festival called Akitu marked the occasion. It focused on praying rather than finding a midnight kiss.

KELVIN'S NEW YEAR "GOOD FORTUNE" RECIPE

According to popular folklore, peas and beans symbolize coins or wealth and greens resemble money, specifically folding money. On January 1st, make dishes using green, leafy vegetables mixed with peas should ensure some good fortune for the coming year. I'm from the south and we always enjoy our black-eyed peas and collard greens.

Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas and Collard Greens

 Instructions

1. Fill the sink with cold water. Wash the collard greens in 3 to 4 changes of water, until there is absolutely no grit on the bottom of the sink. Cut thick stems out of the greens and chop the leaves or cut them crosswise into strips. 

2. If using bacon, cook it until cooked but not crisp in a large skillet. Remove the bacon to paper towels to drain. 

3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until soft.

4. Combine the beans, bacon, onions, garlic, chicken stock, tomato paste, vinegar, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes in the slow cooker. The liquid should cover the top of the beans.

5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 hours.

6. Open the lid and add the greens. Return the lid and cook for one more hour.

7. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and freshly ground black pepper, as needed.

Also, you can't go wrong with adding cornbread, as it is a traditional part of a beans-and-greens meal, playing into the theme of fortune—its color signifies gold.