2009 is getting very, very close and many will be happy to see 2008 go. Not everyone will be going out this year for parties but everyone will get an extra second to party. Those staying in can watch Dick Clark, Ryan Seacrest and Ferbie on ABC, Anderson Coooper and Kathy Griffin on CNN or Carson Daly's show on NBC. Fox also has a show from Las Vegas hosted by Spike Feresten and Mark Thompson.
USA Todayreports that New Year's Eve spending overall is expected to be down.
High-end indulgence was the rage in the boom years, but today's economy means tonight will be "celebrated in a much more frugal way," says Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst at trend tracker NPD Group.
For many, apparently, that means at home. For example, the Sommet Center in Nashville canceled a New Year's Eve concert with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Trace Adkins. Reservations dropped for the shindig at the Lexington Downtown Hotel in Kentucky. "It's really scary," says Angela Matherne, director of sales and marketing. "We had 2,000 (people) last year. If we get to 1,500 this year, we'll be lucky."
In New York City, sales of $85 party tickets at Divine Bar West are less than last year's. Co-owner Shari Schneider thinks that people are staying in to save money.
Those looking to glam up for the night could try a visit to the department store cosmestic counter. Newsdaywas told people should call for an appointment. NARS International Lead Makeup Artist Uzo shared some beauty tips with Newsday. Uzo says the biggest trend for New Year's Eve is "a bold red lip paired with velvety luminous skin."
"The biggest beauty trend of the season and for New Year's Eve is a bold red lip paired with velvety luminous skin. You always want to absorb any excess oil or shine on the face before you start," suggests Uzo. "Use blotting papers gently press on cheeks and T-zone, which will instantly eliminate excess shine and skin will be left feeling refreshed and ready for touch-ups."
"Next use concealer sparingly to under eye area, around the nose and lips to offset any darkness, redness and/or blemishes. Blend to a perfect finish using fingers."
Some more New Year's beauty tips can be found here, here and here.
Some other trends can be found in a Zogby/Times Square New Year's Eve poll. The poll found that many people kiss their pet on New Year's Eve. Pets get a New Year's kiss even more frequently than people do according to the national poll.
More people will kiss their pooch when the New Year rolls in than another human being, according to an end-of-the-year Zogby/Times Square New Year's Eve National Poll.
Women are 4.5 times as likely to spend New Year's Eve with a pet than men are. Democrats are more likely than Republicans to spend New Year's Eve with a pet.
"We've discovered over the four years that we've been conducting this survey that people love seeing in the New Year with their pet," said Tim Tompkins, president of the Times Square Alliance. "I guess it's that pure joy and unconditional optimism that animals have that people love to be around."
People are pretty subdued after 2008 but at least most young people are still optimistic about 2009. The study found that 57.9 percent of young people expect 2009 to be better for them than 2008.
Photo: London's mayor has ordered a spectacular ten-minute fireworks display.
2009 is getting very, very close and many will be happy to see 2008 go. Not everyone will be going out this year for parties but everyone will get an 
