The Second Council of Tours of 567 noted that, in the area for which its bishops were responsible, the days between Christmas and Epiphany were, like the month of August, taken up entirely with saints' days. Monks were therefore in principle not bound to fast on those days. However, the first three days of the year were to be days of prayer and penance so that faithful Christians would refrain from participating in the idolatrous practices and debauchery associated with the new year celebrations.
Feast of the Holy Family
A bit of history on the long series of feasts:
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On New Year's Eve, I'm looking forward to some debauchery if not idolatry. Our neighbors generally do a fish-fry with lots of homemade music into the wee hours.
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