Do people really believe a new year means that significant things will change?

I find the congruence of “let’s get really drunk and party” and New Year’s resolutions or thoughts of change to be really contradictory. Do we really start fresh on January 1st each year? I feel a bit “bah, humbuggy” about New Year’s Eve – much more so than about the “Christmas spirit” memes.

On the other hand, I have no need to rain on anyone else’s parade. Just throwing this out there. Your thoughts?