A New Year's phrase I can't stand

I know I seem to be coming across as a curmudgeon (Griesgram) at the moment, but here's another thing that irks me this time of the year and that is the phrase the Germans use to wish each other a good start to the New Year: einen guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr.

Translated word for word, it means 'a good slide into the new year'. I suppose they mean that you should enter January smoothly, without any hitches. 

Now me, on the other hand, I jib (widerstreben) at the thought of sliding into anything. I've done enough ice-skating to enjoy the feel of gliding on freshly prepared ice at the ice-rink, but I've also slipped and slid on icy pavements enough to know that that is not a pleasant feeling as there is always the risk of falling and hurting yourself.

No, I do not wish to 'slide' into a New Year. Rather, I would prefer to step boldly and with confidence into it - with my head held high and not with my arms splayed out (gespreizt), in an attempt to keep my balance.

So, with that in mind...

Or as we say in Wales...