Do It. Rose Parade float-viewing.

Is there any other New Year's tradition quite like the Rose Parade? A spectacle unique to Southern California, it brings people to volunteer their holiday time and gentle fingers to yield flower upon flower on monstrous wooden structures, and it brings others to camp out overnight(s) in the often unforgiving cold on unforgiving streets. That's (century-old) tradition, baby.

So don't let all this hard effort go to waste. These Rose Parade floats are, in fact, quite a spectacle, and even more so when seen close up. Thankfully, you won't have to give up your usual (and hopefully warmer) New Year's Eve plans to catch the floats.

If you wish to see the floats before their official unveiling, they'll be available for public viewing today until 5 p.m., tomorrow 11 a.m.-5 p.m., and on New Year's Eve from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. As Thursday will be the all-important time for finishing touches (or maybe major finishing rushes), be prepared to maybe lend a hand or two in throwing some flowers on a float if you're visiting then. Or, if you'd rather see the floats in all their finished glory, stop by on Jan. 1 from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. or Jan. 2 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Either or any way, it's $7, and not only will you get to see some awe-inspiring creations firsthand, you'll be taking part in something truly Californian and hand-made with love. Take pride, and start off the new year right!

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Tournament of Roses