This month our team will share one of the oldest military traditions—a New Year’s Reception! For more than one hundred years, military custom called for soldiers to travel to their headquarters to greet their commander at the beginning of the new year. In the post-Civil War era, particularly for the horse cavalry in the American West, this might have been the only opportunity during the entire year when commanders were able to physically see their soldiers. The tradition evolved into a formal receiving line and reception, where the commander and spouse would greet members of the organization, senior leaders, and community members. Commanders would typically host receptions in their home, and invitees would bring calling cards.

George Washington held the first New Year’s Reception, and it was considered a very formal affair. Thomas Jefferson began the tradition of shaking hands with each and every visitor. Anyone could wait in line, enter the White House, and shake hands with the president! This was the beginning of the social season in Washington.

A buffet table from a holiday reception at the White House, attended by Ginger Perkins, a member of M:M’s Protocol and Etiquette Team and co-author of The Army Spouse Handbook.

We realize that this year, with COVID, the Army, as well as the world, has suspended or greatly modified many traditional events and gatherings. There have been other times in history that this has happened, but the nation came back with a renewed sense of patriotism and a yearning to go back to traditions. A New Year’s Reception, also known as a holiday reception or an open house, is an annual Army tradition designed to signal the end of the holiday season and the beginning of a new year. Like the Hail and Farewell, receptions now serve as the equivalent of all holiday calls made and received. It is typically held sometime in the first two weeks of January as it can be a challenge to attend the reception held on New Year’s Day if you stayed out too late on New Year’s Eve!

The event, hosted by the unit commander, is traditionally a formal daytime event, usually scheduled on a weekend from mid-morning to early afternoon. The invitation to the reception will usually state a specific timeframe for each company, battery, or troop to attend since most battalions are too large (and commander’s quarters too small!) to have everyone in at one time.  

The reception is generally a highly encouraged event for the service member—a time to mix and mingle with the command team in a more comfortable environment and setting—as well as a time for spouses to bond with other spouses! The military attire is traditionally Army Service Uniform/Dress Blues, cocktail attire for female spouses, and suits and ties for male spouses. Many of us remember some male spouses taking both a bow tie and a four-in-hand tie to be sure they were in the correct dress for the event. Of course, this is sometimes because the original invitation had been misplaced!

Each company, battery, or troop will be assigned a timeframe to arrive and depart. Be certain you arrive within your allotted timeframe and not with another unit! The receiving line traditionally consists of the commander and spouse, and most times, the command sergeant major and spouse, who stand at the door and greet everyone. For those who have this great opportunity to greet the unit guests, be certain to have on a pair of comfortable shoes for all of that standing, and don’t wear rings on your right hand due to bone-crushing handshakes.

Usually, there will be an array of appetizers and desserts, cocktails, and wine, coffee, tea, and punch. Everyone visits and enjoys the food before it is their time to leave. The host will usually give a group greeting with inspirational parting words, and that is your hint to start saying your goodbyes. It’s equally important to leave at the scheduled time so the hosting couple or club staff can reset everything for the next group. This is a no–hostess–gift event, and reciprocity is not expected; however, a simple, thank-you note is always appreciated!

Wishing everyone a blessed, healthy, and Happy New Year!