A happy new year. Albumen print, Getty Museum. Public domain photograph.

New Year's celebrations have a long history dating back to ancient civilizations. The earliest recorded New Year's celebration is believed to have been held by the ancient Babylonians around 2000 BCE. They held a celebration called Akitu, which lasted for 11 days and marked the beginning of the new year, the return of the goddess Ishtar, and the re-creation of the world. The ancient Romans also celebrated the new year, although their calendar was different from the one we use today. The Roman calendar originally began on March 1, and the new year was celebrated on the vernal equinox, which is the first day of spring. The Roman calendar was later changed by Julius Caesar to begin on January 1, and this change was eventually adopted by most Western civilizations. New Year's celebrations have been held on January 1 in many cultures around the world, including in Western Europe, the Americas, and Asia. In many cultures, New Year's is a time for people to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the new year. It is also a time for celebration, with parties, fireworks, and other festive events. In modern times, New Year's celebrations continue to be a popular way to mark the start of a new year and to look forward to the future with hope and optimism. While both Christmas and New Year holidays are times for celebration, they have different origins and traditions. New Year's Day is a secular holiday that is celebrated around the world, while Christmas is a religious holiday that is primarily celebrated by Christians.

Henry Pointer began his career as an engraver and lithographer before turning to photography in the 1850s. He opened his first studio in Brighton in 1853, where he quickly gained a reputation for his ability to capture the likeness and character of his sitters. In 1862 Pointer moved his studio to London, where he continued to produce portraits of high society figures, including members of the Royal Family. He also became known for his photographs of children and animals, often using props and costumes to create whimsical and humorous images. Pointer's photographs were highly sought after for their technical excellence and artistic composition. He won numerous prizes and medals for his work, including a gold medal at the 1862 London International Exhibition. Pointer continued to work as a photographer until his death in 1889. His legacy lives on through his extensive collection of photographs, which provide a fascinating insight into Victorian society and the art of portrait photography in the 19th century.