Everyone wants the year ahead to be better than the one before – but 2026 is off to a rough start, based on the design of it’s novelty New Year’s glasses.
The numerical frames – which are worn by millions each year at New Year’s Eve parties and on the first day of the new year – have gone viral on social media, with confused people sharing their disdain for the awkward design.
While trying to make a number fit a traditional glasses shape can sometimes be a difficult feat, users were stunned to find that this year’s design appeared to neglect any of the round spherical spaces that could be used.
Rather than using the 0 and 6 for the eyes, the glasses read ‘200!’ with a 26 perched on top.
Many pointed out the numbers looked as though they read ‘20260’, rather than the intended ‘2026,’ taking to social media to share their thoughts.
‘Who the f**k came up with these dumb New Year’s glasses?!’ one user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
‘What year are we celebrating this year. 20,260? Past years had no issues with them,’ they continued, adding: ‘It makes no sense.’
‘2026 New Years glasses just dropped and it is worse than ever,’ agreed another.
The numerical New Year’s frames for 2026 have gone viral on social media, with confused people sharing their disdain for the awkward design
Someone else joked: ‘Welcome to the year 20,260.’
‘Help, why does it look like someone used AI to come up with the design, and nobody else went over it before it went into production?’ questioned another. ‘Because WHY would they do that [on] purpose.’
‘So, have we finally give up on the New Year glasses that haven’t worked since 2009?’ snarked someone else.
Another questioned: ‘Now why would they do that when 6 has a hole?’
Fitting the year into a new pair of novelty glasses is no easy task, with designers facing challenges every year.
The first pair of festive frames was designed by Seattle locals Richard Sclafani and Peter Cicero in 1990, with the two loops in the 9 used for the eyes.
They sold their first novelty glasses the following year, in 1991, and it erupted in popularity.
However, 2008 marked the final year the duo sold the iconic glasses, as they struggled to keep up with the cheaper versions from competitors.
Trying to make a number fit a traditional glasses shape can sometimes be a difficult feat (stock image of 2020 glasses)
The novelty glasses have worked seamlessly in previous years. (stock image of 2006 glasses)
With the end of 2025 approaching, many people already preparing by setting their resolutions and goals for 2026.
Some people believe that what you do right when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve and how you spend the first day of the new year can set the tone for the next 12 months.
Over the years, a slew of superstitions have taken over the web, as some believe certain actions can bring you good luck and fortune in the new year.
The most popular traditions include eating round foods like black-eyed peas and lentils on New Year’s Eve for good luck, eating 12 grapes under a table to help you find love, opening the doors and windows at midnight to let our bad spirits and avoiding laundry or cleaning on the first day of the new year.
