The Weltchek Weekly

January’s mail is full of messages pegged to the year ahead. In the event you’re about to send one yourself, take note of the correct way to refer to the new year. My apologies if this post is too late for you; if it is, you can file it away for 2017, because the rules won’t change.

Do not capitalize new year unless you’re referring to the actual celebration—as in, Markets were closed Friday for the New Year’s holiday, or They spent New Year’s Eve in Paris, or the simple greeting, Happy New Year (with nothing preceding it). But when you’re talking about the actual 12-month period that lies ahead—in other words, the new year in generic terms—both new and year are lowercase.

Incorrect: The New Year is a time for resolutions and reflections.
Correct: The new year is a time for resolutions and reflections.

Incorrect: We will see many changes in the New Year.
Correct: We will see many changes in the new year.

Incorrect: Best wishes for a wonderful New Year!
Correct: Best wishes for a wonderful new year!