It happens every year.

With the 20th century rapidly drawing to a close, and the 21st century just days away, people are seriously examining their lives, relationships, jobs and health and vowing to do better.

A new year brings a fresh perspective, and people who feel they have made a mess of the previous year, are making New Year's resolutions for themselves to make improvements in the coming year.

This time around, we are seeing not only a new year, but a new decade, a new century and a new Millennium as well.

Spending more time with family, losing weight, or spending less money are usually more easily achieved. Other resolutions like quitting smoking or drinking can be a bit more difficult to accomplish.

A few people do not even bother to make them. Some make them only to break them. But all of us think about them at one time or another.

As we approach this new year, The Royal Gazette took to the streets of Hamilton to ask the burning question: "What is your New Year's resolution?'' Brad Holland said: "Have more time having fun.'' Jackie Croft said "Lose weight.'' Diane Hill said: "I just want to have a healthy year for myself and my family. And to keep in touch with family.'' Tracey Johnson said: "I'm just thankful that it is a new year, a new Millennium.'' Ed Benevides said: "To make my mark on mankind.'' Mark Trott said: "To make it better than '99. To spend more time with my family.'' Claude Alphonsus said: "To spend more time preparing my future. And to drink less beer.'' Eston Rawlins said: "To save more money.'' Kimberly Bowen said: "To save more money, to find somebody worthy of me and to go further with my poetry.'' Brad Holland Jackie Croft Diane Hill Tracey Johnson