> Regardless of how goyim today view the new year,
seems that this is a difference of opinion on facts, not halocha. My reading is that most of Europe took on Jan 1 in 16th century and later to unify calendars – and taxes – with no religious significance. Maybe even opposite, as some places before used their holidays to start a year. I read French Edict of Roussillon of 1564 and it is not about religion. That some churches celebrate a bris day or other is not important unless you are talking to someone who is on the way to church to celebrate. Then wishing him happy holiday is a problem, but a new year is still not.