MIAMI — While many New Year’s celebrations center around a first kiss or meal of the New Year, Haitian Christians believe the year’s first conversation is very important. That’s why in Haitian United Methodist churches throughout Florida, members gathered on New Year’s Eve to talk to God.

"Many Haitian Christians believe that the first person you should talk with is God," said the Rev. Preval Floreal, pastor of Grace Haitian United Methodist Church here.

The New Year celebration, both New Year’s Eve and Day, are special times of festivity for Haitians because Jan. 1 is also Haitian Independence Day. The celebration typically includes New Year’s Eve dinners and worship services, family celebrations on New Year’s Day, and a Wesley Covenant Service the first Sunday in January.

The Rev. Luc Dessieux, pastor of Fort Pierce Haitian Mission, says the New Year’s celebrations are a nostalgic time when people in his congregation remember the past, but look forward to the new things God will do.

The dinners typically include foods that remind Haitians of their freedom from slavery, including pumpkin soup, which was eaten only by French landowners prior to the Jan. 1, 1804 revolution. Other traditional foods include fried goat, fried beef and cassava.

The New Year’s Eve Watch Night Services last from 8 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. and are open to the community. Many people who do not attend church on a regular basis attend this special event. The first portion of the evening is informal praise music and individual sharing.

"The music and prayers are edification for the hearts of the people," said Herod Joseph, lay leader at Grace Haitian. "Everybody is happy to start the New Year in the presence of God."

During the service, people are invited to share what God has done for them in the past year. "One person might witness to how God healed them, another might talk of a family reconciled, still another person might confess a wrong done and promise to live differently in the new year," Floreal said. "Most of all, this is the last chance in the year to thank God for blessings and guidance."

The second part of the service is more traditional worship time. "The preacher is expected to have a good sermon since it is the last one of the year," Floreal said. The sermon usually highlights the work of the church and presents a challenge and vision of what lies ahead. Communion is served in some churches, but must be finished before midnight.

At Grace Haitian UMC in Miami, Floreal spent the last few minutes before midnight talking about the promises of God and hope in Jesus Christ. At midnight he called out the time and everyone fell to his or her knees for a time of consecration.

People prayed quietly at the altar or in their pews. They renewed their vows to God, dedicated the coming year and lifted their expectations for themselves, their families and their church to God. When Floreal shouted, "Praise the Lord and Happy New Year," everyone joined in and greeted each other with handshakes, hugs and kisses.

New Year’s Day is often observed with a family meeting to review the old year, allow each person to share their hopes for the new year and wish the best for each other. The family then prays together. The rest of the day is spent visiting friends and family. At every house, guests will be offered pumpkin soup, other foods and a warm welcome.