The choice of the 1st of January being the new year’s celebration date is relatively modern. It was only properly set in the Western world after the Gregorian calendar was introduced, and in the Middle Ages the new year celebration varied across different areas of Europe.

It might make more sense to celebrate on a different date, like the winter solstice or Earth’s perihelion. But since those vary by a couple of days from year to year that might be confusing.

In any case, we should at least keep to the astronomical standard year of 31557600 seconds, and celebrate accordingly. I’ll see you at 6 am on the first of January 2018.

And in case you’re wondering, Dr Mad only celebrates on the Galactic New Year.